Cyprus is moving ahead with the Red Flag platform, a tool designed to help authorities identify warning signs and intervene before violence escalates. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris told MPs that the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy is expected to invite tenders for the project on 10 November, with key services targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2027.
The project was discussed during a meeting of the House Human Rights Committee on violence against women and domestic violence, where MPs also raised concerns about gaps in support services, staffing shortages and coordination between state agencies.
Red Flag platform aims to prevent violence
The proposed Red Flag platform will allow relevant services to assess information and warning signs that may indicate an increased risk of violence. Authorities will be able to coordinate their response and take preventive action before an incident escalates.
The project is part of wider efforts to improve the handling of domestic violence and violence against women cases in Cyprus.
Committee chairman Christos Christofides said MPs had requested specific updates, including a timetable for implementing recommendations and legislative changes, separate plans for statistical records and risk-management systems, and clearer procedures for reassessing whether individuals should be allowed to possess firearms.
The committee also called for updates on staffing and procedures at the House of Women’s facility, as well as comprehensive data on how services respond to cases and how investigations progress.
House of Women’s services may expand in 2027
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tina Pavlou said work had been completed following consultations on the House of Women’s framework. The proposals have been sent to the Ministries of Justice and Health, with the aim of revising the framework by the end of 2026.
Currently, the facility operates only in Nicosia. Pavlou said an expansion to other districts could be discussed in early 2027.
She also acknowledged that coordination between services remained a significant challenge, saying that effective cooperation had not yet been achieved.
Mental health staffing shortages raised
MPs also questioned whether there was a plan to address serious staffing gaps in mental health services.
Dr Semeli Vyzakou, representing the relevant services, acknowledged staffing problems and cited financial constraints at the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY). She said there was an intention to cover the needs, although it remained unclear whether this would be possible. Authorities are also considering purchasing services from the private sector.
More than 7,400 cases referred to court
Police data submitted to the committee showed that, between 2022 and the end of August 2026, authorities handled 9,817 cases involving violence against women and domestic violence.
Of these, 7,404 cases were referred to court.
The police also reported that 66 officers are assigned to domestic violence cases.
The committee’s discussion comes ahead of a visit to Cyprus by GREVIO, the Council of Europe’s expert body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Also read: 94% of young people in Cyprus report good health, Eurostat finds
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