Free Legal Aid to Be Provided for Victims of Domestic Violence in Cyprus

The House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus has passed a law granting free legal assistance to women who have suffered from abuse and domestic violence.

Under the new legislation, women affected by domestic violence are now entitled to free legal support for any court proceedings related to their case, held in district court. This assistance includes legal representation by an attorney when filing a compensation claim against the accused.

The law also covers legal aid for applications submitted by victims, such as those needed to resolve disputes with the perpetrator over child custody and care arrangements.

Additionally, women who are victims of violence and residing in a women’s shelter can submit a confirmation signed by the relevant government authority to verify their residence at such a facility, granting them access to free legal aid in court.

If cases advance to the appeals court, legal assistance will continue to be provided, though the victim’s financial situation will be reviewed to confirm eligibility.

This updated legislation aims to simplify the process for victims seeking legal assistance and aligns Cyprus’s laws with the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).