Aussie official urges better prosecution of FSV perps

DEPUTY Australian High Commissioner Paul Lehmann has called on the victims of family and sexual violence (FSV) to seek justice through prosecution.
“Victims of violence should come forward and report their perpetrators so that it does not become a norm in the communities,” he said.
Lehmann said this during the official opening of the medical evidence seminar by the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Port Moresby yesterday.
Lehmann said with the increasing number of victims of violence that had going unreported, the prosecutor’s office needed be more active with its job in ensuring justice was served on perpetrators.
“Tools and skills needed by the prosecution in ensuring justice is served on perpetrators is proper examination of the medical evidence as proof,” he said.
Lehmann added that medical evidence like the DNA test results, blood tests and autopsies were essential medical evidence that is needed by the prosecution in order for the court to make impartial decisions.
“I am sure that after this workshop, the prosecutors will be able to fully utilise and analyse medical evidence critically,” he said.
He added that the importance of effective prosecution was not in apprehending criminals but creating a safer environment for everyone to live peacefully in their communities.
“Police investigators and prosecutors should handle criminal offences seriously by ensuring that perpetrators of violence face the law and the victims are safe,” he said.