By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
Morobe’s Police Commander, Superintendent Alex N’Drasal, told EMTV News that a breakdown in the family is one of the cause in the rise of sexual abuse on minors, especially girls.
He said this after the Police arrested a man last week for producing pornography involving a schoolgirl from Wau in Bulolo District, who came into Lae, to look for money to pay her school fee.
Morobe’s PPC, said when the girl was interviewed by the police, she told them that she took part in producing the pornography because she needed money to pay for her school fee.
The schoolgirl came to Lae City from Wau in Bulolo District and met a man who took her to a lodge in Lae and coerced her into taking nude photographs.
With the high number of family breakups, many school-aged children and teenagers are left vulnerable. It is a serious concern for police as well and organisations who deal with sexual abuse cases.
Last month, a Head Teacher from St. Martins Primary, conducted a survey which revealed that a large number of students were at risk of abuse because either their parents had died or separated. The disruption in their families was also affecting their learning in school.
The survey showed that many students are living with someone other than their immediate family members.
Morobe’s PPC Superintendent, Alex N’Drasal said the reported cases of sexual abuse of minors has risen in the Province due to them not being reported.
He has called on the community to work with the Law and Justice Sector and NGOs to help minimise the offences.
Meanwhile, Lae Metropolitan Superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, said there will be an awareness in the city to put a stop to out of court settlement of sexual abuse cases on children.
