“UNITE! 16 days of Activism

The global theme of this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2022, is "UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls". 

 What's happening in my country Cyprus as far as violence is concerned?

The statistics are particularly shocking in Cyprus, where one child is sexually abused every 27 hours. 324 such cases were reported in 2020. 241 in the six months from January to June 2021. That is to say, 83% of the cases were reported for the twelve months of 2019.

A significant increase in cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation occurred due to the coronavirus pandemic due to the isolation of child victims and their abusers. Most of the perpetrators are close family members - as well as increased online activity and the widespread dissemination of child abuse images over the Internet. As a result, more than 1,500 reports of child sexual abuse in five years between 2017-2022 are happening in Cyprus. 

Regarding child abuse in Cyprus, as evidenced by statistics in 2020, 63 percent of the children attended or were subjected to domestic violence. Furthermore, regarding forms of violence against children, 30 percent were victims of psychological violence or witnesses of violence, 9 percent suffered physical and mental Abuse, 1 percent were neglected, and 0.8 percent were abused sexually. 

Furthermore, Cyprus has been classified as a destination country for victims of trafficking, mainly for sexual and labor exploitation. Human trafficking victims are modern-day slaves because they are forced to engage in commercial sex acts or solicit services against their will.

Cases of domestic violence in Cyprus against women and girls sharply increased by 67% last year from 2020 and 159% compared to pre-coronavirus 2019, according to police data.

Police said 3,362 domestic violence cases were reported in 2021, compared to 2,002 the previous year. In the first four months of 2022, police filed 950 cases, putting the year on course for an unwanted record. Young adult girls between 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner. 

What is my solution to end violence?

 UNITE to end violence against women and girls. 

Survivors of violence are speaking out more than ever before, and everyone has a role to play to ensure they can have justice.

Don't say, "Why didn't she leave?"

Do say: "We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you."

Stand with every victim you meet and give them the safe space they need to speak up and be heard.

Stand with them and believe them. 

I faced physical, emotional, economic, and verbal Abuse as a child and as an adult, spousal abuse, and son abuse. The Abuse was carried out from father to son. In the end, I found the exit door I was looking for. I walked away from the Abuse that had surrounded me and created an independent life free from future Abuse.

Today I am a Book Award Author of 'Live Life to its fullest and never look back,' amazon.com/author/elenageorgiou

I am Public Speaker, an Ambassador for survivors, an Expert in Abuse, and a leader who advocates for young adults to live life to its fullest and never look back. In addition, I received a Humanitarian Award for my extraordinary humanitarian activities that benefit humanity and demonstrate advocacy for promoting a more outstanding quality of life.

 I am a Certified Vocational Trainer, Certified Life skills Coach, and Certified Social Media Manager. I have 22 years of experience at the University of Cyprus- Housing Office, serving students with their housing needs. 

I never gave up hope, thus setting my success as a role model. I became the change I wanted to see in this world. I became the miracle I wished to have. 

My vision is to create a safe haven (a home/shelter), a non-governmental organization to fight for survivors' rights and support young adult victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through housing, education, advocacy, and a relentless commitment to preventing further Abuse.

UNITE and stand with the victims & survivors of Abuse so we can end violence together.

UNITE so that young adult survivors of Abuse can live life to its fullest and never look back.