By DENNIS ORERE
THE Australian government has donated K5,000 to the Morata Safe House (MSH) in Port Moresby, which provides refuge and support for women and children who have experienced violence, at Morata Four in Port Moresby on yesterday.
The cheque was presented by head of AusAID in PNG Margaret Thomas.
The Morata Four City Womens Group, formed in 2003, converted the room of a private house to a safe haven for women and children who have suffered sexual or physical abuse. So far, 300 women have sought safe house support there.
Ms Thomas, when presenting the cheque, said: “Guided by AusAID’s gender equality policy, Australia will support efforts to reduce domestic violence, increase women’s access to health care and education, and enable greater participation by women in decision-making and representation in public office.”
Head of Crime Victims Desk senior Sgt Patrina Dikin has called for a change in attitude from those who refuse to see domestic violence as a criminal act.
“Everybody has a role to play in reducing violence; it is not acceptable.
“We have community rules and people need to feel secure in their own homes and communities,” Sgt Dikin said.
The occasion was held to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which fell on Sunday.
Those present included Community Development Minister Dame Carol Kidu, representatives from the Royal PNG Constabulary, Australian High Commission, AusAID, Red Cross, media representatives including ABC Australia and Morata Four community members.
Dame Carol said: “Strong families and strong communities will make PNG strong in the future.”
The donation will contribute to resident food, power and water bills, resources to record evidence of violent incidents and women’s rights awareness campaigns.
The Australian government, through AusAID, also funds a range of activities aimed at reducing violence against women, which include:
*Funding for the Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Sector for initiatives such as the establishment of trauma centres and separate witness rooms in courts;
*Financial support to the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee and Haus Ruth, a women and children’s refuge; and
*The Papua New Guinea Media for Development Initiative radio drama serial titled Kunai Strit, which addresses social issues including violence against women.