by Vasinatta Yama, EM TV – Port Moresby
Statistics on Sexual Violence cases in PNG is immensely high.
This was revealed by the Assistant Police Commissioner Operations, Jim Andrews, at the closing of a weeklong Referral Pathways Workshop held in Port Moresby.
The service delivery stakeholders have identified ways to strengthen a referral pathway, for survivors of Family and Sexual Violence crimes.
Family and Sexual Violence crime is growing silently in PNG, but is common and widespread. It affects people both directly and indirectly, which then affects the Human Development and Economic Growth of the country.
From 2009 to 2013, 30,000 cases were reported to the Family and Sexual Violence Unit.
In 2014, 12,000 cases were reported bringing the statistics to over 40,000 within 5 years.
There are also cases of victims who are pronounced dead on arrival by doctors.
The PNG Royal Constabulary has taken ownership to lead the investigation of all Family Violence cases.
This has also given the mandate to establish Family and Sexual Violence Units and offices in the Provinces.
From the workshop, stakeholders identify that PNG lacks accountability, counselling services and the involvement of men.
Operational guidelines must also be developed for survivors to be the centre of focus.
There must also be a different pathway to help children from adults.
To eliminate Human Rights Abuse and Violence against Women and Children, the PNG Government has become a signatory to the UN Declaration.
RPNGC has been working in partnership with Australian AID, through PNG and Australia Law and Justice Program or PALJP [Pal-jip], over the last 5 years, to address Family and Sexual Violence and related issues.
Stakeholders including the Australian Federal Police are assisting the FSV Unit on how to attend to victims and survivors.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hFwy4uCu45s%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
