Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Sasa Zibe declared “zero tolerance” on violence against women and children in his Huon Gulf electorate yesterday.
Mr Zibe’s action plan to address the issue of violence against women and children would be announced at a public forum to be held in Lae on Friday at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
The forum is expected draw a number of high profile personalities to speak on the issue.
Mr Zibe said he planned to do this as the Member for Huon which he aimed to reduce domestic violence in his electorate.
He said despite the contribution by women to the society they were not being treated with respect and dignity.
“They are now becoming increasingly subject to sexual, physical and emotional abuse,” he said.
Mr Zibe said: “My action plan is to send a message to the community that victims of voilence now have an avenue to seek help and ensure the aggressors are held accountable for their actions. They have to face the consequences of their violent acts towards women.”
He said such attitude of playing down on the gravity of abuse of women was putting women and girls at high risk of HIV infection.
“Many homes and communities have already become unbearable and unsafe for our women and children to live in,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Zibe said the Gutpela Sindaun campaign, which he launched recently, could be an annual event and eventually institutionalised.