Three thousand cases of violence against women and 686 involving young people were recorded in 2022 by the Fimonoi foundation, it announced on Sunday.

President of the organisation Mary Pyrgou presented these figures to Archbishop Georgios during a meeting to encourage the Church to get involved in the prevention and resolution of social problems.

Social problems plaguing Cyprus society, especially violence against women and juvenile delinquency were the centre of their discussion.

“The situation seems to be quite alarming,” Pyrgou said, “society, the state and the Church must unites forces to stop these problems”.

She informed the Archbishop of the work of the foundation, specifically for the development of mutual respect between people, with the aim of empowering them, respecting human rights, preventing violence, as well as creating better relationships between people and especially between the two sexes.

She also asked the Archbishop to make an effort to revise and remove from sermons and other manuals of the church anachronistic and insulting phrases for women, with the aim of elevating them and creating a climate of respect.

The Archbishop reportedly said he supports equality of the sexes, underlining this point in the speeches he has made.

The foundation said he gave assurances that its proposals will be studied to see how the Church can help.