My rights as a victim of crime

What information will I get from the authority (e.g. police, public prosecutor) after the crime occurred but before I even report the crime?

The Police will inform you, without undue delay, of your right to obtain the following information on:

  1. The Police Station or Police Department where you can file a complaint;
  2. The type of support you can receive and from whom, including, where relevant, basic information regarding access to medical support, any specialist support, including psychological support, and alternative accommodation;
  3. how and under what conditions protection is provided , including protection measures;
  4. how and under what conditions you may claim compensation;
  5. how and under what conditions expenses incurred as a result of participation the criminal proceedings can be reimbursed;
  6. how and under what conditions you are entitled to interpreting and translation services;
  7. the procedures available for filing complaints where your rights are not respected by the department involved;
  8. the contact details of the Police officer handling your case, for communication purposes.

I don’t live in the EU country where the crime took place (EU and non-EU citizens). How are my rights protected?

If you are resident in another Member State, the Cyprus Police will obtain a deposition from you right after you report the crime, in order to limit difficulties pertaining to how the procedure is organised.

If the crime was committed in the Republic of Cyprus and you are resident in another Member State, you can report it to the competent authorities of your Member State of residence, in so far as you are unable - or, in the case of a felony - unwilling to do so in Cyprus.

If you file a complaint for a crime committed in another EU Member State to the Cyprus Police, the latter must forward such complaint to the competent authority of the Member State where the crime was committed, where it does not have jurisdiction to initiate proceedings.

If I report a crime, what information will I receive?

When you report a crime to the Police, you will obtain the following information, depending on what stage of the procedure your complaint is at:

  1. the details of the police officer handling your case;
  2. any justified decision not to proceed with or to end an investigation or not to prosecute the offender;
  3. the time and place of the trial, and the nature of the charges against the offender;
  4. information enabling you to be briefed on the course of the criminal proceedings. In exceptional circumstances, where the proper handling of the case may be adversely affected by disclosing such information, it may be withheld following a reasoned opinion of the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus.
  5. Information about your right to be informed if the person remanded in custody, prosecuted or convicted for the crime related to you is released or has escaped. The above information may be withheld if there is a potential or established risk of harm for the offender.

Am I entitled to free interpreting or translation services (when I contact the police or other authorities, or during the investigation and trial)?

If you wish to report a crime but you are unable to understand or speak Greek, you can file a complaint in a language you do understand, with the necessary linguistic assistance.

Furthermore, the Police must ensure that you are offered:

  • free interpreting services during the investigation if you do not understand or speak Greek;
  • free translation of all information collected during the investigation, at your written request, to the extent that such information is essential for you to exercise your rights.

How does the authority ensure that I understand and that I am understood (if I am a child; if I have a disability)?

  • The Police will use simple and comprehensible language to communicate with you, taking into account your personal situation, including any disability which may affect your ability to understand or to be understood. Communication, both oral and written, shall be in a form accessible to people with disabilities, including, where necessary, Braille or sign language.
  • If you are a minor under the age of 18, you will be evaluated based on your age, maturity level, views, needs and concerns, to ensure that you can understand and be understood. Your parent, guardian or other legal representative will be informed of any rights that may concern you.
  • At your first contact with the Police, you may be accompanied by a person of your choice, save where this is detrimental to your interests or to the course of the proceedings. If you are a person with disabilities, you may be accompanied by a person of your choice throughout the investigation of the case.

Moreover, if you are a minor, information will be supplied to you by the Social Welfare Services (through an interpreter, where necessary) in a language which you understand and with due regard to your age and maturity level. If you are a person with a disability, you will receive information in a way you can understand (e.g. in sign language).

Victim support services

The following organisations provide victim support services:

  • Medical Services,
  • Social Welfare Services,
  • Mental Health Services,
  • Educational Psychology Service at the Ministry of Education and Culture,
  • Non-Governmental Organisations

The Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Employment, Welfare and Social Security offer support to vulnerable groups, including victims of crime, by:

  • supporting the family, with a view to enabling its members to fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively; resolve family disputes that threaten family unity; protect the safety and welfare of children; prevent delinquent behaviours and domestic violence and encourage the rehabilitation of persons involved in anti-social behaviour and delinquency;
  • supporting vulnerable groups;
  • helping local communities identify and handle the specific needs of vulnerable groups;
  • putting victims in contact with other competent authorities and NGOs that are able to provide additional services and support.

Will the police automatically refer me to victim support?

The Police will refer you to governmental or other support and assistance services, if this is considered necessary, and will inform you about the existing services mentioned above:

How is my privacy protected?

Police officers must comply with the requirements of the Constitution, the applicable legislation and the Police Code of Conduct, which ensure that your privacy and family life will be respected and your personal data adequately protected.

According to the law, your name and the contents of your deposition may under no circumstances be publicised or howsoever disclosed.

Data processing is governed by special legislation, which ensures the protection of your personal data.

Do I have to report a crime before I can access victim support?

Yes. After you file a complaint with the Police, the Social Welfare Services will ensure that you are offered free support services, according to your needs, including services from NGOs capable of offering special support.

Personal protection if I'm in danger

The Police will take all steps necessary to protect your safety, especially where special protection needs are established. Thus, depending on the nature/circumstances of the criminal offence, your personal situation and any special protection needs, specific protection measures may be applied in various phases of the criminal proceedings, as follows:

(1) Victim integration in witness protection schemes, subject to supervision and control by the Attorney General

By decision of the Attorney General, you may be integrated in a witness protection scheme, involving Police measures to protect your personal safety as well as the safety of your family, where necessary.

(2) Victim protection during criminal investigation:

During the criminal investigation:

  • You will be interviewed by the Police without undue delay right after you file a complaint;
  • The number of interviews is kept to a minimum and interviews are only conducted where this is imperative for the purposes of the criminal investigation;
  • You may be accompanied by your legal representative or a person of your choice, unless a reasoned decision has been made to the contrary in relation to either or both persons;
  • Medical examinations are kept to a minimum and are carried out only where this is imperative for the purposes of the criminal proceedings.

(3) Right to protection of victims with specific protection needs during criminal proceedings:

If you are identified as a victim with specific protection needs, the following options are available to you:

  • All interviews are carried out on premises designed or adapted for that purpose;
  • All interviews are carried out by professionals adequately trained for that purpose;
  • All interviews are carried out by the same person, save where this contravenes the effective administration of justice, and
  • If you are a victim of sexual violence, gender-based violence or violence in close relationships, your interviews shall be conducted by a person of the same sex as you, if you so wish, provided that the course of the investigation is not prejudiced.

In particular:

If you are a victim of domestic violence:

  • no disclosure of the personal information in your deposition shall be allowed;
  • you may be referred to a shelter operated by the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family;
  • the court may order the defendant's detention until the case is referred to court, or his/her release, on the condition that he/she will not visit or harass any members of his/her family in any way.

If you are an underage victim of sexual abuse:

  • your personal information shall not be disclosed in your deposition;
  • The Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Employment, Welfare and Social Security will take all steps necessary to protect your safety, if your interests conflict with those of your parents.

If you are a victim of human trafficking and exploitation:

  • no disclosure of the personal information in your deposition shall be allowed;
  • Your case must be reported to the Social Welfare Services by any government official who is aware of your situation - the Social Welfare Services must inform you of your rights;
  • You are entitled to protection without discrimination, irrespective of your legal status or any cooperation you may have with the Police.

Who can offer me protection?

The Police are primarily responsible for offering you protection. If necessary, the Police will cooperate with other competent bodies of the public or private sector to ensure that you are effectively protected.

Will someone assess my case to see if I am at risk of further harm by the offender?

The Police will assess your case in order to:

(a) identify any specific protection needs, and

(b) determine whether and to what extent you would benefit from special measures in the course of the criminal proceedings due to your particular vulnerability to secondary and repeat victimisation, intimidation and retaliation.

An individual assessment shall be carried out with your close involvement and shall take into account your wishes, including your wish not to benefit from special measures.

Will someone assess my case to see if I am at risk of further harm by the criminal justice system (during investigation and trial)?

Individual assessment includes an assessment of your exposure to the risk of secondary and repeat victimisation, so as to exclude all possibility of you sustaining secondary and/or repeat victimisation by the bodies of criminal justice.

What protection is available for very vulnerable victims?

Very vulnerable victims are offered the following types of protection:

(1) Victim integration in witness protection schemes, subject to supervision and control by the Attorney General.

By decision of the Attorney General, you may be integrated in a witness protection scheme, involving Police measures to protect your personal safety as well as the safety of your family, where necessary.

(2) Victim protection during criminal investigation:

During the criminal investigation:

  • You will be interviewed by the Police without undue delay right after you file a complaint;
  • the number of interviews is kept to a minimum and are only conducted where this is imperative for the purposes of the criminal investigation;
  • you may be accompanied by your legal representative or a person of your choice, unless a reasoned decision has been made to the contrary in relation to either or both persons;
  • the required medical examinations are kept to a minimum and are carried out only where this is imperative for the purposes of the criminal proceedings.

(3) Protection of victims with specific protection needs during criminal proceedings:

If you are identified as a victim with specific protection needs, the following are available to you:

  • all interviews carried out on premises designed or adapted for that purpose;
  • all interviews carried out by professionals adequately trained for that purpose;
  • all interviews carried out by the same person, save where this contravenes the effective administration of justice; , and
  • if you are a victim of sexual violence, gender-based violence or violence in close relationships, interviews shall be conducted by a person of the same sex as you, if you so wish, provided that the course of the investigation is not prejudiced.

I am a minor – do I have special rights?

If you are a minor, your best interests are protected, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration your age, maturity level, views, needs and concerns.

As a minor you have some additional rights:

  • throughout the proceedings, you can be accompanied by your parents or by an officer of the Social Welfare Services, if you are in the care of the Social Welfare Services.
  • if you are a victim of domestic violence, a complaint may be filed on your behalf by the Social Services Director of the Social Welfare Services, and all measures necessary for your safety can be applied.
  • if you are a victim of sexual abuse, a complaint may be filed on your behalf by any government official and all measures necessary for your safety can be applied.
  • if you are unaccompanied, you will be placed in the care of the Director of Social Welfare Services and will have access to your rights, e.g. your right to education, health services etc. as well as your right to family reunification.
  • Right to Privacy.-The Police will take all lawful measures necessary to prevent public dissemination of any information that could lead to your identification.
  • Specific protection needs. The Police:
    • must ensure that investigation and criminal prosecution proceedings are conducted irrespective of whether you or your representative has made a formal complaint, and that the criminal proceedings can be continued even if your withdraw your deposition;
    • continue prosecution even after you reach majority;
    • may record your interviews, as part of the investigation.

During interviews, you may be accompanied by your legal representative or by an adult of your choice, unless a reasoned decision has been made to the contrary with respect to that person.

Interviews will be carried out:

  • without unjustified delay, from the moment the incidents are reported to the Police;
  • where necessary, on premises specifically designed or adapted for that purpose;
  • where necessary, by or through a professional who is properly trained for that purpose;
  • only to the extent necessary for the purposes of the criminal investigation/proceedings whereas the number of interviews will be kept to a minimum;
  • in case of sexual abuse, interviews will be carried out by trained professionals who are the same sex as the child.

My family member died because of the crime – what are my rights?

You may seek support from the following victim support services:

  • State Medical Services,
  • Mental Health Services,
  • Social Welfare Services,
  • Educational Psychology Services (in the case of a minor);
  • The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family - operates a special hotline (1440) (for victims of domestic violence);
  • NGOs engaged in victim support activities.

The law allows you to file a claim for damages against the offender. You may also address the Social Welfare Services to obtain information about your right to claim damages.

My family member died because of the crime – what are my rights?

You may seek support from the following victim support services:

  • State Medical Services,
  • Mental Health Services,
  • Social Welfare Services,
  • Educational Psychology Services (in the case of a minor);
  • The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family - operates a special hotline (1440) (for victims of domestic violence);
  • NGOs engaged in victim support activities.
    • The law allows you to file a claim for damages against the offender. You may also address the Social Welfare Services to obtain information about your right to claim damages.

My family member was a victim of crime – what are my rights?

You may seek support from the following victim support services:

  • State Medical Services,
  • Mental Health Services,
  • Social Welfare Services,
  • Educational Psychology Services (in the case of a minor);
  • The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family - operates a special hotline (1440) (for victims of domestic violence);
  • NGOs engaged in victim support activities.

Can I access mediation services? What are the conditions? Will I be safe during mediation?

In Cyprus there is no legislative framework governing mediation services.

Where can I find the legislation governing my rights?

The legislation governing your rights is

  • The 2000-2015 Domestic Violence Act (Prevention and Victim Protection) .
  • The 2014 Act on Prevention and Control of Sexual Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse and Child Pornography.

You can access the legislation governing your rights through the Link opens in new windowCyprus Bar Association website.

Last update: 31/10/2019

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Reporting a crime and my rights during the investigation or trial

How do I report a crime?

You may file your complaint at any Police Station. The Police will investigate your case as soon as you file a formal complaint and provide a written deposition.

How do I find out what’s happening with the case?

You can obtain information on the progress of your case from the Police officer (investigator) who is assigned your case. Once your case has been referred to court, you may obtain information about the course of the proceedings from the Legal Division officer who is handling your case in court.

Am I entitled to legal aid (during the investigation or trial)? Under what conditions?

You can obtain free legal aid for proceedings included in the Law on the Supply of Free Legal Aid, in the context of proceedings relating to particular types of human rights violations.

“Proceedings relating to particular types of human rights violations” means any:

  1. Civil proceedings pending before a court of law, at any stage, initiated against the Republic of Cyprus for damage that was inflicted upon a person as a result of particular human rights violations, or
  2. criminal proceedings initiated by any person, where the claim relates to particular types of human rights violations.

The form of legal aid available under the aforementioned Law:

  1. consists in counselling, assistance and representation services, in the case of civil proceedings initiated in the Republic of Cyprus or in the case of criminal proceedings, and
  2. consists exclusively in counselling, in the case of civil proceedings initiated outside the Republic of Cyprus.

The human rights protected under the aforementioned Law are those secured under:

  1. Section II of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus;
  2. The 1962 Act ratifying the European Convention on Human Rights;
  3. The 1967-1995 Acts ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;
  4. The 1969 Act ratifying the International Covenants (Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Civil and Political Rights);
  5. The 1989 Act ratifying the European Convention on the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
  6. The 1990 and 1993 Acts ratifying the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
  7. The 1985 Act ratifying the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;
  8. The 1990 Act ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Free legal aid is available to:

  • any person who is a victim of human trafficking, in the context of proceedings before a District Court for the award of damages by virtue of the Act on the Prevention and Handling of Human Trafficking and Exploitation and Victim Protection;
  • any minor who is a victim of human trafficking, in the context of proceedings pending before a District Court for the award of damages by virtue of the Act on the Prevention and Handling of Human Trafficking and Exploitation and on Victim Protection;
  • any minor who is a victim of solicitation for sexual purposes, child pornography, sexual exploitation and/or sexual abuse, in the context of proceedings pending before a District Court for the award of damages by virtue of the Act on Prevention and Control of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography.

Moreover, any child who is a victim of any of the criminal offences described in the Act on Prevention and Control of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography, irrespective of whether he/she is willing to cooperate with the prosecution authorities for the purposes of criminal investigation, prosecution or trial, has direct access to free counselling under the Lawyers Act, at any phase of the proceedings, as well as to free legal aid in case he/she lacks the necessary resources, irrespective of the provisions of the Act on Legal Aid.

Where the child victim has the right to a representation, he/she may receive legal advice and be appointed a legal representative who acts on their behalf, in proceedings where there is, or there could be, a conflict of interest between the child victim and the holders of parental responsibility.

Any person who is a victim of any of the crimes described in the Act on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking and Exploitation and on Victim Protection, irrespective of whether he/she is willing to cooperate with the prosecution authorities for the purposes of criminal investigation, prosecution or trial, has direct access to free counselling under the Lawyers Act, as well as to free legal aid in case he/she lacks the necessary resources, in accordance with the provisions of the Act on Legal Aid.

In order for free legal aid to be provided, a written request needs to be filed to the Court before which your case is pending for trial. The Court may issue a free legal aid order, on the basis of:

  1. A socio-financial report of the Welfare Office, describing your financial situation and that of your family, your regular income or any other income originating from your employment or from any other sources, your standard living expenses and those of your family, and any other liabilities or needs you may have;
  2. The severity of the situation or any other circumstances, so as to determine whether it would be in the interest of justice to grant you free legal aid in preparing and handling your case.

Legal aid beneficiaries have a right to select the lawyer who will offer them free legal aid, among those willing to offer these types of services, as per the applicable laws. If a beneficiary fails to appoint a lawyer of his/her own choice, the Court will appoint a lawyer from a list prepared by the Cyprus Bar Association, as per the applicable regulations.

Can I claim expenses (for taking part in the investigation/trial)? Under what conditions?

The Republic of Cyprus will reimburse you for all expenses provided for in the Law. Information about how and under what conditions you can claim expenses is available at the District Prosecution Divisions of the Police Force.

Can I appeal if my case is closed before going to court?

You can request a reasoned decision from the Police, if investigation or prosecution did not proceed or has been terminated.

Can I be involved in the trial?

You may participate in the trial as a witness for the prosecution and testify before the Court which hears the matter.

What is my official role in the justice system? For example, am I or can I choose to be a: victim, witness, civil party or private prosecutor?

In the context of criminal proceedings, your role is that of a witness for the prosecution. If you file a claim for damages against the offender, you take the role of a plaintiff in the civil proceedings concerned.

What are my rights and obligations in this role?

As a witness for the prosecution, you are obliged to testify before the Court which hears the matter. If you have filed a claim for damages, you can obtain information about your rights and obligations from the lawyer who is handling your case before the Civil Courts.

Can I make a statement during the trial or give evidence? Under what conditions?

In the course of any proceedings in which you are a witness for the prosecution, you may read and adopt the deposition you have made to the Police or submit the evidence you have made available to the Police during the investigation. If you wish to make a statement or testify anything in addition to your original deposition or to the evidence you have made available to the Police, you should consult the director of the Legal Division which is handling your case at the Court.

What information will I receive during the trial?

During the trial, the Prosecutor will inform you as to when and how hearing sessions are to take place and the nature of the charges pressed against the offender. You may also request to be informed of any final rulings rendered in the course of the proceedings.

Will I be able to access court files?

You have no right to access any court files.

Last update: 31/10/2019

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

My rights after trial

Can I appeal against the ruling?

You have no right to appeal against the ruling rendered by the court at first instance. The Attorney General of the Republic has the right to appeal.

What are my rights after sentencing?

A sentence may be utilised by your lawyer if you file a claim for damages against the offender.

Am I entitled to support or protection after the trial? For how long?

You are entitled to post-trial support and/or protection for a reasonable period of time, depending on your needs at that particular moment.

What information will I be given if the offender is sentenced?

Upon request, you may be informed by the Police about the sentence that was imposed on the offender by the Court.

Will I be told if the offender is released (including early or conditional release) or escapes from prison?

Upon request, you may be informed:

  1. if the person remanded in custody, prosecuted or convicted for a crime that concerns you is released from or has escaped detention;
  2. any relevant measures issued for your protection in case of release or escape of a person remanded in custody, prosecuted or sentenced for crimes which concern you.

It is pointed out that the above information may be withheld if there is a potential or established risk of harm for the offender.

Will I be involved in release or parole decisions? For example, can I make a statement or lodge an appeal?

You have no right to become involved in any release or parole decisions concerning the offender.

Last update: 31/10/2019

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Compensation

What is the process for claiming damages from the offender? (e.g. court case, civil claim, adhesion procedure)

You have the right to bring a court case against the offender for the offence that was committed against you. You may also contact the Social Welfare Services to obtain information on your right to claim damages.

Minors under the age of 18 have a right to file a claim for damages against all parties liable, for the crimes provided for in the Act on Prevention and Control of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography and for human rights violations. The offender bears the respective civil liability to pay compensation for all specific or general damages incurred by the victim(s).

Any person who is a victim within the meaning of the Act on Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking and Exploitation and on Victim Protection has a right to file a claim for damages against all parties liable, for any criminal offences committed against them according to the aforementioned Act as well as for human rights violations. The offender bears the respective civil liability to pay compensation for all specific or general damages incurred by the victim(s), including any arrears owed to the victim(s) as a result of their forced employment.

The court ordered the offender to pay me damages/compensation. How do I make sure the offender pays?

If the offender fails to pay you the amount of damages awarded by the Court, you can address the Court, through your lawyer,, which shall issue an order to the offender to pay the damages awarded; if the offender fails to comply, they shall be instantly arrested and imprisoned

If the offender does not pay, can the state pay me an advance? Under what conditions?

The Law does not provide for any advance to victims by the state.

Am I entitled to compensation from the state?

Compensation may be provided by the state in the form described in the 1997 Law on Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes (Law 51(I)/97), to victims of violent crimes or their dependants, if:

(a) The victim or his/her dependants are unable to obtain compensation from the offender for any reason, and

(b) No compensation is available from other sources or such compensation is smaller in amount than that provided for in the above Law:

The compensation under the aforementioned Law is payable even in cases where the offender may not be prosecuted or sentenced:

If compensation available from other sources is less than that prescribed in the above Law, the State pays the difference.

The Law also lays down the circumstances where compensation is denied and further determines what the amount of payable compensation includes.

“Violent crime” means any crime committed with intent in the Republic of Cyprus, which involves violence and causes death, severe bodily damage or ill health as a direct result, including any of the following criminal offences, provided that they cause the aforementioned results:

Premeditated murder: (Articles 203 and 204), Attempted murder: (Article 214), Rape: (Article 144), Attempted rape: (Article 146), Kidnapping: (Article 148), Kidnapping of a female person under the age of 16 years: (Article 149), Acts intended to cause severe bodily damage: (Article 228), Severe bodily damage: (Article 231), Attempted bodily damage through use of explosives: (Article 232), Malevolent use of poison: (Article 233), Injury: (Article 234), Assault causing bodily damage: (Article 243), Other assaults: (Article 244), Crimes against personal liberty: (Articles 245-254), Arson: (Article 315).

A request for compensation as per the aforementioned Law must be submitted to the Director of the Social Security Services within a reasonable period of time, in any case within two years after the bodily damage / ill health / death was caused, as applicable.

The request shall be accompanied by a police report, a medical certificate and any other documents that may be useful for its assessment. The Director of the Social Security Services may request such additional evidence as may be required, at his/her discretion, including evidence that no compensation has been or will be paid from any other sources, including a sworn declaration by the applicant.

Am I entitled to compensation if the offender is not convicted?

The award of compensation to the victims is not conditional upon the offender’s conviction. The Court renders a ruling as to the award of damages in the context of the proceedings regarding the claim for damages, which is clearly distinct from the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Am I entitled to an emergency payment while awaiting the ruling on my claim for damages?

You may not receive an emergency payment since the law does not provide for such a payment.

Last update: 31/10/2019

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

My rights to support and assistance

I am a victim of a crime who do I contact for support and assistance?

The Police………199/1460

The State Hospital First Aid Services

The District Welfare Services

The Educational Psychology Service

The Mental Health Services

A victim support helpline

Non-Governmental Organisations

The following helplines are available in the Republic of Cyprus:

1460 - Citizen hotline

1440 - Domestic Violence hotline

1498 - Drug Information and Assistance helpline

116111 - Child and juvenile support helpline

116000 - Cyprus Hotline for Missing Children

Is victim support free?

Victim support provided by governmental agencies and NGOs is free of charge.

What types of support can I receive from state services or authorities?

You can receive the following types of support from state services:

  • Healthcare services from the Medical Services
  • Psychological Support from Mental Health Services and the Educational Psychology Service
  • Protection from the Social Welfare Services, on the basis of warrants issued against the offender and/or victim protection warrants
  • Adoption of special police measures during the investigation, to prevent repeat victimisation
  • Effective police protection to prevent intimidation or retaliation by the offender and/or any other persons
  • Court measures during the hearing , to protect victims with special protection needs (e.g. children, victims with psycho-social disabilities).

If you are a victim of domestic violence, a child victim of sexual abuse or a victim of human trafficking, the Social Welfare Services will inform you of your rights and will offer you support. They will also put you in contact with all competent state agencies and NGOs which will handle your case and offer you support. If your interests conflict with those of your parents, the Director of the Social Welfare Services will take all steps necessary to protect you.

What types of support can I receive from non-governmental organisations?

You can receive the following types of support from non-governmental organisations:

  • Psychological support;
  • Accommodation in victim support shelters.
Last update: 31/10/2019

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.