SIGMA’s “Kodikos 56” episode “Breaking the Silence” aired survivor testimonies of child sexual abuse by trusted family and community figures. Victims shared lifelong trauma, like one realizing at nearly 40 she was trapped in her own body, and another enduring gang rape on her 17th birthday.
The show highlighted protection system gaps, where state delays left children vulnerable despite monitoring by Child Welfare Services.
Statistics reveal one in five Cypriot children faces sexual abuse before adulthood.
System failures exposed
Cases showed authorities slow to act or listen, even under supervision. Reporter Andri Charalambous questioned why flagged abuses persisted.
Society demands harsher penalties, sparking debate on chemical castration.
Chemical castration debate
DISY MP Michalis Giakoumis proposed a bill for consensual chemical castration of convicted pedophiles, discussed in the Legal Affairs Committee. He noted 11 EU states use it.
Former Voice Council President Anastasia Papadopoulou called it unproven: daily hormones revert effects if stopped; UK studies linked it to violence and murders without therapy.
Also read: Gabriel: not seeking outrage, bringing Christ to daily life
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