A Magistratesays many reported cases of violence against women do not end up inthe courts.
Lae’s principal magistrate, Mark Selefkariu saidthe cases are often resolved through traditional settlements.
There are concerns that such forms don’t get reported andthere are no follow ups to resolvethe issue of violence.
Mr Selefkariu saysthere won’t be any breakthrough inthe cycle of violence committed against women if Papua New Guinea women continue to withdraw cases and evits solved out of courts.
Atthe Lae District Courtohe says out of forty cases he presides over in-court hearings only five are domestic violence cases.
An Adult Literacy Volunteer, Ann Zeriga who trains adults to read and write believes adult literacy in also one ofthe factors preventing women from speaking out.
Morobe province has been featured prominently with highest statistics of violence committed against women.
The Medecins Sans Frontieres in Lae sees more than five hundred women victims of domestic violence every month andthey are concerned about lack of awareness onthe issue.
Edwin Fidelis, National EMTV News
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