sexual abuse

Pending family law bills undergo committee review

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Pending family law bills undergo committee review

Four bills aimed at modernizing Family Law in Cyprus and benefiting children began to be discussed before the Legal Committee of the Parliament. The bills, which have been pending since 2018, have undergone changes based on stakeholder suggestions. The first bill requires both parents to provide accurate information about their property and income for child support determination. The second bill focuses on the child’s welfare, including provisions for double surnames, child opinions, monitoring by experts, and parental counselling programs. The third bill regulates succession cases for assisted reproduction, while the fourth bill addresses paternity evidence in cases of medically assisted reproduction. There are reservations about the bills, with concerns about Social Services meeting deadlines and the removal of shared parental custody. Written opinions on the bills can be submitted within three weeks.

Worrying figures over student drug abuse

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Worrying figures over student drug abuse

Over the past three years, 420 secondary school students were referred for drug treatment programs.

Primary school sexual violence case reported to parliament

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Primary school sexual violence case reported to parliament

A 10-year-old student was the tragic protagonist of an extreme case of sexual violence in a primary school reported to the Education Committee of the Parliament. The incident was discussed during a session on misconduct in schools attended by the Ministers of Justice and Education. It was highlighted that primary school students often strip or intimidate their classmates, with drugs circulating in school yards. The responsibility to address these issues lies with the Police, especially when educators fail to report incidents. The Justice Minister mentioned a transitional solution for detaining juvenile offenders until 2026 and emphasized the implementation of the law of 2021, which includes sending young individuals to therapeutic programs. The Education Minister noted the difference between violence/bullying and sexual abuse in schools, urging educators and children to break their silence on the latter. The Police reported a decrease in registered cases involving individuals under 18 from 496 in 2021 to 393 in 2023.

Teacher abuse incident under investigation

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Teacher abuse incident under investigation

Sexual abuse in Cypriot schools has been on the rise, with three recent cases reported. One incident involved a female teacher being forced to resign due to abuse by students. Delays in response and gaps in management have been highlighted. The police are investigating cases of abuse, clarifying that any offense involving a minor victim is considered sexual abuse. The Minister of Education emphasized the need for immediate reporting and coordinated action among all stakeholders. A lawmaker has requested information on protocols for preventing and addressing deviant behavior in schools.

Our View: The education system has thoroughly failed abuse victims

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Our View: The education system has thoroughly failed abuse victims

A gymnasium student who was sexually abused by fellow students was still expected to go to the same school as his abusers, a month and a half after the incident.

Sexual abuse victim , ‘still at same school as abuser’

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Sexual abuse victim , ‘still at same school as abuser’

A high school pupil who was sexually abused by his classmates is still at the same school.

Parliament hears of shocking violence and abuse in schools

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Parliament hears of shocking violence and abuse in schools

Extreme cases of violence and misconduct involving students and teachers, including sexual abuse, drug use, and assaults, were discussed in a closed-door session of the House Education Committee. A deadline was set for the Ministry of Education to present a plan for creating a unit to support children with extreme behavior. The Minister of Education announced the preparation of a proposal for an alternative attendance program for such cases. Additionally, a new electronic student file system will be introduced to provide immediate access to information about each child for relevant services. The Minister highlighted the importance of prevention and timely intervention in addressing violence and delinquency in schools.

Vatican diplomat in Nicosia argues for preserving faith in a changing world

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Vatican diplomat in Nicosia argues for preserving faith in a changing world

The Vatican and Cyprus have been strengthening their relations beyond just ecclesiastical cooperation. The consecration of an Apostolic Nuncio in Nicosia has further solidified their ties. The Vatican is actively engaged in promoting human dignity, peace, and supporting the local Church in Cyprus. The Vatican Embassy participates in a program that promotes interreligious dialogue in Cyprus. The Catholic Church has faced challenges, including addressing sexual abuse cases, and has made efforts to heal wounds and prevent new cases.

Mass brawl forces authorities to impose curfew in Australian tourist town

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Mass brawl forces authorities to impose curfew in Australian tourist town

Australia’s Northern Territory imposed a two-week youth curfew in Alice Springs after a mass brawl involving 150 people, many armed with weapons. The curfew is from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for those under 18 in the town, which has a large Indigenous population and social divisions. The violence was sparked by the death of an 18-year-old man on March 20, leading to a feud between local families. Police made five arrests and seized 50 weapons.