by Theckla Gunga – EM TV, Port Moresby
Cases of sexual penetration on girls between the ages of three to eighteen are on the rise in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.
NCD police say that at least four sexual assaults or rape cases are reported to police stations every week.
Police say most of these cases are committed by close family members or those people the victims trust.
A worker from the Sexual Offences Squad told EM TV that most victims are afraid to speak up or report the offences to their parents or police because the offenders threaten them.
The worker said much of the offences are caused by alcohol or drug consumption.
Police also said most offenders are not properly charged and are set free by way of mediation through compensation.
Meanwhile, not much counselling is given to victims and many are forced to live with the trauma.
In the meantime, SPC News has reported that Pacific island countries still have high rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
