Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation supports the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO)

Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation is proud to support the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO) for the second year in a row. The Foundation, which donated more than 2,000 euro last year for the protection, housing, treatment and support of victims of domestic abuse, has decided to donate 800 euro worth of gift vouchers to the women and children staying at SPAVO shelters.

The collaboration between the two NGOs began last year when a member of the public approached the Foundation with a desire to help abused women and children. SPAVO, founded in 1990, is the official liaison between the state bodies of Cyprus (including the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Insurance, and the Cyprus Police) and victims of domestic violence.

SPAVO provides protective and treatment services for both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence through the establishment of a national helpline (1440), the organisation of educational seminars as well as the provision of safe accommodation and psychological support to protect and guide people involved in violent situations. In addition, SPAVO identifies shortcomings and weaknesses in Cypriot legislation and submits their suggestions for correctional measures in order to develop a wider policy against domestic violence and safeguard its victims.

Kiki Poyadji, President of SPAVO, commented on the Foundation’s donation saying:

“We extend our warmest gratitude for your support in our vision. Thanks to you and everyone who trusts us, we are able to offer support to people affected from the domestic violence phenomenon. We rely on your valuable support so that we can continue to give hope and security to women and especially to children who are victims of domestic violence”.

Founder, Julia Dashina stated:

“According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. These global estimates are tragic and it is the obligation of everyone, both the state and the public, to be informed and protect victims who cannot protect themselves. The cycle of violence breaks only when we speak for those who cannot speak and only when the veil of shame is lifted. We hope that our donation will help alleviate even a little bit of the victims’ suffering and show them that we actively support them.”