More focus needed on domestic violence

National

Domestic violence increases when people are quiet about it but if a stand is taken against it and awareness is created, the problem can be reduced, an official says.
Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) national coordinator Ume Wainetti said domestic violence had harmful impacts on families and individuals so more education and awareness were needed.
“Evidence from research carried out shows that two in three women in PNG are victims of violence. This means that more than more than 80 per cent of women in PNG experience various forms of violence such as sexual (rape, sexual harassment, incest, etc.), physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, cohesive control, cultural or religious,” she said
In reflecting on Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), FSVAC of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) was appealing to all Papua New Guineans to show their support by:
Wearing a purple ribbon;

  • Creating awareness against domestic violence at home, community, workplace, schools and colleges;
  • Planning activities this month to participate in the 20 Days of Human Right Activism (November 20 – Dec 10);
  • Telling someone about the 1-Tok Kaunseling Helpim Lain 7150 8000 or report any forms of family and sexual violence happening within the community;
  • Helping refer survivors to Family Support Centres in the provincial hospitals and Family Sexual Violence Units (FSVU) to police and to Seif Haus; and
  • Lending an ear to a friend who has a problem and needs someone to talk to.

Wainetti said: “Purple is domestic violence colour, so wear a purple ribbon if you believe and want to advocate against domestic violence or use purple items for office decorations and to get messages across to others.”
FSVAC are selling purple ribbons for K2 per and  the proceeds will go towards supporting safe houses and the family support centres in Port Moresby and other centres.
Individuals or organisations interested in purchasing ribbons and supporting, call Nesther on 321 1397 and arrangements will be made to drop  ribbons off.