The unspoken atrocity of sexual violence during the Cyprus conflict has haunted survivors for decades, hidden by societal shame and stigma. Recent efforts are striving to break the silence, providing support and recognition for those impacted by the horrors of the past.
What is the unspoken atrocity of the Cyprus conflict?
The unspoken atrocity of the Cyprus conflict is the sexual violence perpetrated against women and men during the 1974 invasion, which has been shrouded in silence due to collective shame and societal stigma. Survivors faced additional suffering from cultural pressures and lacked support, but recent efforts aim to acknowledge and assist those impacted.
Breaking the Silence
In the aftermath of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, a tragic facet of the conflict has remained largely untold for decades. The sexual assaults perpetrated against women and men during the tumultuous period have been enveloped in a stifling wall of silence. For nearly half a century, the voices of victims were scarcely heard, their stories buried under the weight of collective shame and societal stigma.
The invasion’s onset saw the island’s serene summer disrupted by chaos and violence. Amid the conflict, countless individuals experienced harrowing sexual violence, leaving indelible scars on the psyche of the community. At that time, victims were euphemistically said to have been “taken,” with the implication that they somehow allowed the abuse or didn’t resist sufficiently. Such phrases masked the brutal reality of the atrocities committed.
The Cultural Stigma
The social landscape of the 1970s did not offer solace to survivors of sexual violence. Women, in particular, faced relentless persecution post-assault, often by their own kin. The dishonor of not being a virgin was a specter that haunted survivors, prompting families to either hastily marry them off or exile them to foreign lands. This ensured that the trauma of the invasion was compounded by an additional layer of suffering wrought by cultural expectations and the imposed need to maintain familial “honor.”
Indeed, the magnitude of these events is shrouded in mystery, with many victims carrying the burden of their experiences to their graves. Some survivors were coerced into undergoing medical procedures to restore a semblance of virginity, while others were forced to seek abortions discreetly, only to return to a society that met them with contempt rather than compassion.
The Harsh Realities and Efforts for Recognition
The attacks were brutal and indiscriminate, with reports by the European Commission of Human Rights detailing violations that spanned a horrifying age range and involved repeated assaults, leading to severe physical and psychological trauma. These reports highlight instances where victims were subjected to repeated rapes by occupying forces, as well as cases of enforced prostitution.
The response from the community and the authorities was, for too long, inadequate. The grim reality of what transpired was either denied or hushed, and the focus on healing and restoration was virtually non-existent. However, recent years have seen a shift, with efforts being made to provide support for survivors. Skevi Koukouma, an Akel MP, has been instrumental in breaking the silence on these wartime rapes, advocating for recognition and assistance for those affected.
Alongside Koukouma, figures like Aliki Hadjigeorgiou have emerged, working tirelessly to address the use of rape as a weapon of war and to extend support to victims and their families. Despite the passage of time, the exact number of those impacted remains unclear, with estimates ranging significantly. What is certain, however, is that each case represents an individual who endured unspeakable suffering.
Legacy and Support
While the narrative of these events is gradually surfacing, there is an urgent need to move beyond acknowledgment to action. Presently, initiatives are underway to establish memorials that pay tribute to the victims, signifying a late but meaningful gesture of recognition for the pain they suffered.
Those who have survived the ordeal of war-related sexual violence have been encouraged to come forward, not to bear the brunt of shame, but to shift it rightfully onto the perpetrators of these crimes. The journey towards justice and healing is long and fraught with challenges, but the first steps have been taken in acknowledging the trauma that was endured and offering the long-overdue support that survivors rightfully deserve.
What is the unspoken atrocity of the Cyprus conflict?
The unspoken atrocity of the Cyprus conflict is the sexual violence perpetrated against women and men during the 1974 invasion, which has been shrouded in silence due to collective shame and societal stigma. Survivors faced additional suffering from cultural pressures and lacked support, but recent efforts aim to acknowledge and assist those impacted.
How were survivors of sexual violence during the Cyprus conflict treated by society?
Survivors of sexual violence during the Cyprus conflict were often met with persecution and shame by their own families and communities. The societal stigma surrounding sexual assault, particularly towards women, led to further suffering for the victims who were already traumatized by the horrors they endured. Many survivors were forced into secrecy or faced exile or forced marriages in an attempt to preserve family honor.
What efforts are being made to address the silence surrounding sexual violence in the Cyprus conflict?
Recent years have seen a shift in awareness and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence during the Cyprus conflict. Figures like Skevi Koukouma and Aliki Hadjigeorgiou have been actively working to break the silence on wartime rapes, advocate for recognition, and provide support for victims and their families. Memorials are also being established to pay tribute to the victims and acknowledge the pain they suffered.
What is being done to support survivors of war-related sexual violence in Cyprus?
Efforts are being made to encourage survivors of war-related sexual violence in Cyprus to come forward and seek the support they deserve. Initiatives are in place to shift the shame from victims to the perpetrators of these crimes and to provide the necessary resources for healing and justice. While the journey is challenging, steps are being taken to acknowledge the trauma endured by survivors and offer them the support they need.
