Gender Based Violence Stakeholders (GBVS), a coalition of organisations dedicated to ending GBV in PNG, in a written statement, condemned the alarming prevalence of domestic-violence related deaths in PNG.
They said it demanded tougher and immediate stance both at the national, provincial and community level.
Their reaction follows the fatal death of former Miss PNG, Ruby-Anne Laufa four days ago.
The 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital’s emergency ward after sustaining injuries inflicted on her by an abusive partner.
Another victim of domestic violence was 24-year-old Regina Morove was shot in the face. Her partner who was held for the ghastly crime is now out on bail.
The GBVS statement also cited the death of another victim, Priscilla Wonga, earlier last month.
Wonga, 25, was brutally beaten to death by her husband, a police officer whose identity was withheld.
GBV Stakeholders have strongly condemned such acts as ‘an intention to take away someone’s life and must not go unpunished.’
Partners in the GBVS union are deeply concerned about the number of women and girls dying as a result of domestic violence.
They have launched an appeal to authorities and the general public to “act cohesively and collectively to address this endemic problem.”
“It is time we open our eyes as regulating authorities who are responsible for the implementation of tougher penalties to protect women survivors of violence. It is time we law enforcers remain true to our oath and duty to uphold the law and protect lives.
It is time we the highly educated and elite citizens become advocates and role models for our younger generation. And it is time we as a community stand together with our authorities, and non-government organizations to come up with solutions and ensure that lives of our women are protected at all times,” the GBV stakeholders jointly stated.
“Why are we who are responsible for the welfare and safety of women and girls as law makers and decision makers continue to sit on these laws and decisions while our women are being beaten to death by their abusive husbands, boyfriends or partners?
“How many more of our daughters, sisters, nieces, aunties and mothers will be rushed to the hospital only to be pronounced dead from injuries caused from the brutal beatings? How many more will continue to suffer in silence until they too, one day, become victims of violence?
“And why are we as concerned citizens, communities and families continue to sit back and expect our authorities and non-government organizations to come up with solutions to deal with these atrocities caused by educated human beings who are part of our communities?”
Meanwhile, the stakeholders have called on women or relatives of women experiencing violence to call 1-Tok Kaunseling Helpim Lain on 71508000 for help especially when confronted by a violent situation.
