Protect Women in Limassol: Take Actions Against Street Harassment and Violence

Petition addressed to: Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the Cyprus Police, and the Limassol Municipality

Background

In recent months, women in Limassol have reported a rising number of incidents of harassment and physical assaults in public spaces.
Many women no longer feel safe walking alone — especially after dark.
Several attacks have already been reported to the Cyprus Police, yet the fear among citizens continues to grow.
This situation violates fundamental rights such as freedom of movement, personal safety, and dignity.
We, the residents and citizens of Limassol and Cyprus, believe that immediate action is essential to protect women and ensure public safety.

Our Demands

We call upon the authorities to implement the following urgent measures:

1. Increase police patrols in neighborhoods and areas where attacks have been reported, especially at night.
2. Install better lighting and security cameras in streets, parks, and public spaces to prevent future assaults.
3. Create a dedicated hotline for women victims of harassment or violence, ensuring immediate and confidential support.
4. Train police officers on gender-based violence and sensitivity in responding to victims.
5. Review the current legislation on self-defense tools — in particular, reconsider the legal status of pepper sprays for women’s personal protection, under clear safety and regulation standards.