While talks have been underway to addressthe issue of domestic violence, more is yet to be done.
Jacinta Teteretoan anti-domestic violence advocate in Lae says resources and infrastructure to help breakthe cycle of violence are inadequately provided.
Jacinta is one ofthe many advocates calling for shift in how Papua New Guineais addressing is societal problems. She saysthere is a long battle ahead despite much been talked about.
“Many housewives or women today get scared of reportingtheir cases knowing thattheir husbands arethe only breadwinners and ifthey dothey’ll be kicked out ofthe house and left with nothing sothey tend to keep it tothemselves.”
She saysthere is an urgent need to provide effective services run by qualiflied with skills and knowledge of how to deal withthe problem.
“We need special homes to cater for the women who get kicked out ofthe house for reportingtheir abusive husband tothe law.”
Last month, Lae women petitionedthe government calling for tougher laws to deal withthe perpetrators. Bet many women’s ay this might just solve part ofthe bigger problem.
The family and sexual violence unit in Lae reported more than ten victim women coming to seek legal advice every day. This is just a portion ofthe majority ofthe women who continues to face domestic violence intheir homes. Out ofthe ten cases reported, only one or none are being pursued in court resulting to conviction.
About a week ago, a principle magistrate atthe Lae District Court told EMTV Lae thaPNG as a nation can’t solve its societal problems and crimes committed against women if cases brought beforethe courts are withdrawn and resolved through traditional means.
However, many advocates in Lae believes unless Papua New Guineas isolatethemselves from model lawsthere won’t be a way forward in breakingthe cycle of violence in communities.
Edwin Fidelis, National EMTV News
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