In Cyprus, 1 in 3 women will fall victim to violence at some point in their lives, says the Cyprus Women's Lobby

Today in Cyprus, 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives will fall victim to physical, psychological, sexual or other forms of violence, says the Cyprus Women's Lobby (KLG) and calls on the government to fully implement the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the "Istanbul Convention" which was ratified by our country.

On the occasion of the 25th^η In November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Cyprus Women's Lobby issued a statement, stressing that "the growing incidence of violence against women in Cyprus does not allow for any complacency or delay by anyone."

It states that "the implementation of the 'Istanbul Convention' requires extensive legislative changes, the development of specialized protection and support services for victims, the implementation of systematic prevention programs, as well as coordinated cross-sectoral procedures between government departments and cooperation with Non-Governmental Bodies."

The Cyprus Women's Lobby calls for "the creation of strategic coordination for the implementation of the Convention, with the participation of professionals from all relevant services, women's organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other competent bodies, as provided by the Convention".

It also claims "the creation of a national strategy with specific workable goals, strict timetables, and a budget for its implementation."

The Cyprus Women's Lobby states that "achieving substantial equality between women and men, promoting women's rights and empowering them must be a priority of the Republic of Cyprus".

"So we expect to see the full implementation of the 'Istanbul Convention' through a comprehensive strategic planning and coordination to put an end to violence against women and girls," concludes the Cyprus Women's Lobby.

November 25 was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the UN General Assembly on December 17, 1999, to highlight a major global problem.

The Cyprus Women's Lobby consists of nine women's organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations and is an active member of the European Women's Lobby (ELB).