Cases of child pornography and sexual exploitation record increase in South Cyprus

Justice and Public Order Ministry of South Cyprus has expressed its concerns over the increase of the number of cases of child pornography, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse victims in South Cyprus, stressing that it makes efforts to combat these phenomena through the prosecution of perpetrators.

An official press release issued on Friday said that while in 2011 and 2012 a total of 38 and 58 cases of child pornography were investigated, respectively, and 23 cases in 2013, there has been an increase in the cases handled by the South Cyprus Police since 2014. During 2014 the Cyber Crime Office looked into 106 cases, while it has looked into 102 cases since the beginning of 2015.As regards the cases of sexual offenses against minors, 32 were recorded in 2011 and in 2012 and 2013, 41 and 36, respectively, while during 2014, 48 cases were recorded. Since the beginning of 2015 since today 28 cases have been filed.As it is underlined, it is a priority for the South Cyprus police to monitor, investigate and prosecute these offenses, as well as to monitor individuals under supervision. Furthermore it is noted, that the Authority responsible for supervising individuals convicted for sexual crimes against minors in South Cyprus has set out criteria and guidelines to this end.

The Justice and Public Order Ministry of South Cyprus said it is indispensable to establish a national strategy for the protection of children from sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and child pornography, since it will comprehensively address this social issue.