By Colleen Barilae – EM TV News, Lae
A gender based violence advocate in Morobe has revealed that lack of information hinders most survivors of family and sexual violence from seeking help.
Morobe Family and Sexual Violence Program Advisor, Kiun Kimbing, says the province records at least five family and sexual violence cases per day.
He said this statistic could be more, as most cases go unreported.
In some cases, family and sexual offences have been dealt with through the Melanesian system of compensation due to survivors’ inadequate information to approach to their problems.
This Gender Based Violence advocate says the public must be educated to understand that sexual offence matters are things that must be dealt with under the law.
At Morobe’s Community Development office, advocates of gender-based violence are supporting the referral pathways that survivors can follow when seeking assistance for their problems.
In November last year, the National FSVAC launched a set of referral guidelines for provincial sexual violence committees.
And though this guideline has been formed to support safety, protection, rehabilitation and justice for sexual violence survivors, many are still not fully aware of this.
Emily Boski, Coordinator of Social Welfare Services, explained during any 6-month period, Morobe’s community development records over 700 family and sexual violence cases.
Morobe’s community development office continues to work alongside other partners like family support centres, safe houses and law and justice organisations.
