I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?
You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. Υπηρεσίες Κοινωνικής Ευημερίας / Γραμμή 1440 (1440) is the child-protection service for Cyprus: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Γραμμή 116 111 (Hope for Children) (116 111) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Αστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112 (112).
🗣️ What to say
"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."
🪜 Step by step
- Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
- Call Υπηρεσίες Κοινωνικής Ευημερίας / Γραμμή 1440For advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
- Danger now: Αστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112Police and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
- Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
- Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Will the child be taken away?
Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.
What if I am wrong?
Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.
The child told me something in confidence
You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.
📎 Sources
- Υπηρεσίες Κοινωνικής Ευημερίας / Γραμμή 1440 →
- Γραμμή 116 111 (Hope for Children) →
- Αστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112 →
- Δήμος / Κοινοτικό Συμβούλιο →
- Οργανισμός Ασφάλισης Υγείας (ΓεΣΥ) — παράπονα →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “report child abuse Cyprus”
- “child protection helpline Cyprus”
- “worried about a child who to call”
- “child neglect report anonymous”
- “child helpline number”
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.