Defence against Domestic Violence Allegations in Cyprus

Domestic violence allegations in Cyprus cover an accusation of domestic violence or domestic abuse (ενδοοικογενειακή βία), a domestic violence charge, an arrest after a family argument and the court orders that may follow. Cypriot law treats violence between family members, partners and former partners as a serious offence, and the law in this area was rewritten in recent years. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Cases of Alleged Domestic Violence”. This page is for the person accused; it takes no view on any allegation and is general information, not legal advice.

Who needs this

Spouses and partners of different nationalities, expatriate couples, parents in the middle of a separation, and adult children or other relatives named in a complaint. Many cases start with a call to the police during an argument and quickly involve housing, children and residence.

How it runs in Cyprus

• Complaint and arrest. After a complaint (καταγγελία) the police may arrest the suspect and ask a judge for a remand order, or release the person on terms.
• Orders on the accused. A court can issue an interim or restraining order (διάταγμα) that stops the accused from entering or staying in the family home, or from contacting the complainant, until the case is decided.
• The prosecution. The case is pursued by the state. A complainant changing their mind does not by itself end it.
• Family proceedings. Custody, contact with the children and maintenance go to the Family Court (Οικογενειακό Δικαστήριο); where children live in the home, Social Welfare Services may also be involved.

What to pay attention to

Breaking an order or a bail term, even with a friendly message or a visit the other person agreed to, can lead to a new arrest. Statements given on the night of an incident are hard to correct later. Decisions in the criminal case and in the family case affect each other, so they are best handled together. A conviction can also affect a residence permit.

What an English-speaking lawyer does

The lawyer attends the police interview, argues against remand or for workable terms, asks the court to vary an order so that belongings can be collected or children seen under supervision, examines the evidence and represents the accused at trial. An accusation of violence outside the family is covered under assault charges. Related family matters: child custody disputes and divorce. More on criminal law in Cyprus.

Questions and answers

Can I go back home after release?

Not if a bail term or a court order forbids it. A lawyer can ask the court to change the terms, for instance to collect personal belongings with the police present.

Will I still see my children?

Contact is decided separately, by the Family Court, with the children's welfare as the guide. It may be supervised for a time while the criminal case continues.

Can I contact my partner to sort things out?

Only if no term or order forbids contact. Where one does, any contact, including through friends or social media, can be treated as a breach.

Can I leave Cyprus while the case is open?

Only if the bail terms allow it and the name is not on the stop list. The case continues in the person's absence and can lead to a warrant.