The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by domestic and gender-based violence.

Their mission is to prevent violence and protect victims, helping them change their lives by offering immediate assistance, shelter, counseling, and support. They aid people of all backgrounds, ages, and nationalities.

Events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are vital for raising awareness and funds, which this year will support the creation of a new shelter in Larnaca for victims of domestic violence.

Can you introduce your charity and provide an overview of its mission and purpose? 

The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to supporting individuals who experience domestic or gender-based violence. Registered under the Associations and Foundations Law of 1972 and the regulations of 1973, our mission is to prevent violence and protect victims by helping them change the narrative of their lives, utilizing every available source of assistance. On a national level, our vision is to establish comprehensive services that offer support and prevention of family and gender-based violence. Continuous support and protection of both victims and perpetrators of violence are fundamental pillars of our organization.

Our objectives include:

1. Preventing domestic and gender-based violence.
2. Providing immediate assistance to individuals who experience or perpetrate violence within the family.
3. Offering shelter and protection to victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
4. Providing information and counseling support to abused women.
5. Offering information and counseling support to individuals who perpetrate violence.
6. Providing shelter and protection to young women and mothers who are asylum seekers and migrants.
7. Offering theoretical and practical training to individuals interested in providing volunteer assistance.
8. Raising awareness among authorities and the public about the social phenomenon of domestic violence.
9. Identifying gaps or weaknesses in the legislation and procedures followed by relevant services, and making recommendations to the responsible state authorities for corrective measures and broader policy development regarding family violence.

What inspired the establishment of your charity, and what motivated its founders to address this particular cause?

Domestic violence is a global issue that affects people across all socioeconomic backgrounds and educational levels. Abuse is a recurring pattern of behaviors used to maintain power and control over a partner. With a focus on individuals, particularly women and children, we strive to help people change their lives by leveraging every available resource. Recognizing the necessity, we continuously envision and evolve, always with the ultimate goal of preventing and ensuring the safety of the individuals we serve, aiming to reduce domestic and gender-based violence.

Are there any specific populations or communities that your charity focuses on serving? What led to the decision to prioritize these groups?

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of nationality, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Therefore, we serve people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and educational levels across all regions through our services, primarily via our “Helpline 1440.”

What is the importance of events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon to support your cause?

Any kind of support for our organization is equally important, whether it involves raising awareness about the significance of our work or providing financial assistance to our services.

Is there any specific case or individual your charity supports through this year’s marathon fundraising campaign?

This year, through the Larnaka Marathon’s support, we aim to assist in creating a new Shelter in Larnaka for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.