Support women's shelters in Cyprus

Hi, my name is Phoebe Coles, and I am the Founder and Director of the voluntary humanitarian group Vicinus. Vicinus educates and fundraises for refugees, women, and child rights issues in Cyprus. This International Women's Day, we are fundraising for two groups (1 in the south of Cyprus and 1 in the north) that provide shelter for women escaping abuse. Vicinus will send half of the proceeds raised to each organisation. As we are a multi-communal team, we wish to help support women across the island and be more inclusive with our work.

Unfortunately, domestic violence cases have increased worldwide with the ongoing pandemic, including in Cyprus. We hope you will support our online fundraiser by donating or sharing our Gofundme page.

Please read the information below regarding the shelters and services both groups provide.

1. Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO)

SPAVO SHELTER:

The shelter is a safe home where women and children experiencing domestic violence can live temporarily. We will offer a room for you and your children. The rest of the house consists of common areas that you will share with the other guests. You will be asked to sign an agreement containing the conditions of residence and the necessary regulations ensuring your safety and others. The addresses of the shelters are confidential. In Cyprus at the moment, two shelters are operating for victims of domestic violence under our Association.

For more information, please read their Q and A section about the shelters and services they provide: https://domviolence.org.cy/en/xoroi_filoxenias/

2. Nicosia Municipality Women's Shelter

According to their website, it is the first and only shelter in the north of Cyprus. It was created in 2016 by the local Nicosia Municipality.

THE SHELTER:

The LTB Women's Shelter provide living spaces for women who have been subjected to violence. They can stay with their children in case of danger to life or if they need to get away from a violent environment. The Women's Shelter can serve 7 women and 14 children in total. If the number of children joining their mothers exceeds the determined number, necessary supportive arrangements are made.

For more information, please read their website about the shelter and services they provide: https://www.lefkosabelediyesi.org/kadin-siginma-evi-sayfasi

If you have any questions, please contact us: https://www.facebook.com/vicinusCY