Based on detailed and evidence-based service mapping research in Cyprus and Greece, several organisations and institutions provide services and support. (i.e., hotlines, emergency protection services, legal aid, and shelters) for gender-based violence (GBV) in both countries. Below is a structural explanation of each NGO and its role in the GBV programme

 CYPRUS – Gender-Based Violence Support Services

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

• Hotline: 1440 (24/7, free)
• Mobile: +357 99 984042
• General Tel: +357 22 339001
• Children/teens support line: 116 111 
• Services: 

• Crisis support & counselling
• Information on rights and options
• Referral to shelters and legal services

• Notes: Nationwide, confidential, available 24/7

EMERGENCY & PROTECTION SERVICES

• Emergency Number (Police/Ambulance): 112 Immediate dangers (EU-wide emergency). 1497 → Police anti-trafficking / victim support hotline (24/7)
• Police and Social Welfare Services can assist with:

• Immediate protection
• Safe relocation to shelters
• Reporting violence cases

As a part of broader GBV case management system, police in Cyprus in 2025 introduced what so-called “panic button” mobile application for immediate emergency response in domestic violence cases. It is typically available to victims who have already registered with police after reporting a case (not open download for everyone).  When activated, it sends an instant alert to police for rapid intervention. As it’s not for public use, any who in any circumstances may anticipate harm whether at or in workplace can report him/herself to police for registration to set GBV early warning alert.

The Social Welfare Services (Government) with their central contact phone number +357 22 406600 based in Prodromou 63, Nicosia through their assigned social workers to GBV cases provide housing / financial support, child protection services, and help coordination with police & NGOs.

Note: Police or SPAVO refer survivors directly to Social Welfare, so services are connected.

 SHELTERS & SAFE ACCOMMODATION

APHVF Shelters (Nationwide)

• Access via hotline 1440 
• Provide:

• Safe accommodation for women and children
• Confidential location
• Psychological and social support

• Multiple shelters operate across Cyprus

 LEGAL & PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS

2. Cyprus Refugee Council

• Phone: +357 22 205959 / +357 99 668709 / +357 97 767329
• Services: 

• Legal assistance (including GBV & trafficking cases)
• Psychological & social support
• Support for asylum seekers and vulnerable women

2. Cyprus Refugee Council

• Phone: +357 22 205959 / +357 99 668709 / +357 97 767329
• Services:

• Legal assistance (including GBV & trafficking cases)
• Psychological & social support
• Support for asylum seekers and vulnerable women

4. Cyprus Family Planning Association

• Phone: +357 22 751093
• Services: 

• Counselling (psychological, social, legal)
• Sexual and reproductive health support

GREECE – Gender-Based Violence Support Services

HOTLINES

1. SOS Hotline for Women Victims of Violence (General Secretariat for Gender Equality)

• Hotline: 15900 (24/7)
• Email: sos15900@isotita.gr
• Services: 

• Immediate crisis support
• Psychological counselling
• Guidance and referrals

• Free and nationwide

 SHELTERS & SUPPORT NETWORK

National Network of Structures for Women Victims of Violence

• Includes:

• 44+ counselling centers 
• 20+ shelters (hostels) across Greece

• Services:

• Safe accommodation
• Legal and psychosocial support
• Employment counselling

• Access via hotline 15900 or local centers

 LEGAL & SPECIALISED GBV SERVICES

2. ACCMR – Gender-Based Violence Management Service

• Location: Athens, Thessaloniki, Lesvos
• Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00
• Services: 

• Legal representation (court, asylum, protection orders)
• Psychological counselling
• Social support & employment assistance

• Focus: Greek and migrant women survivors of GBV

QUICK COMPARISON

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Cyprus: Centralized system led by APHVF (hotline + shelters + referrals).
• Greece: Larger state-coordinated network with many counselling centers and shelters.
• Both countries provide:

• 24/7 
• Emergency protection (112) 
• Shelters and legal support pathways