The bicommunal Technical Committee on Crime and Criminal Matters on Wednesday organized a seminar on preventing domestic violence titled “Domestic Violence: Preventing Child Abuse and Violence Against Women.”

The Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot speakers, along with experienced experts and academics who participated in the seminar at the Ledra Palas Hotel in the buffer zone presented effective approaches to prevent violence.

The opening speeches of the seminar were delivered by Senior Police Advisor and head of the Police Component to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Satu Koivu, Senior Advisor to the Peacekeeping Force Aderemi Adekoya, and the co-chairs of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Crime and Criminal Matters, Prof. Andreas Kapardis and Salih Doratlı.

Senior Police Advisor to UNFICYP Koivu provided information about the committee established in 2008 and stated that the reason for addressing this issue was because they had witnessed such situations on the island of Cyprus.

Koivu emphasized that while homes should be the safest place for women, men, and children, in some homes, the opposite is happening.

She explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown periods, there has been an increase in domestic violence incidents against women and children worldwide.

Senior Police Advisor Aderemi Adekoya also pointed out the necessity of preventing domestic violence and violence against women. Adekoya mentioned that the United Nations uses various platforms to draw attention to the issue and increase awareness.

The Co-chair of the committee Prof. Andreas Kapardis, representing the Greek Cypriot community, began his speech by highlighting the evidence that until recently victim rights were being neglected.

He stated that the childhood period is crucial, and it requires special attention.

When discussing domestic violence today, Kapardis emphasized the importance of prevention.

Co-chair Salih Doratlı, mentioned the productive collaboration and solidarity between the UN police force and the Committee.

Doratlı emphasized that domestic violence affects all societies regardless of religion, language, ethnic background, or social status.

He also stated that the expert participants who attended the seminar came together with a common goal, and they desire that love, respect, and compassion prevail over evil, sadness, and fear.