Family sexual violence cases hit 2000

By MARJORIE FINKEO
NATIONAL Capital District and Central recorded 2013 cases of family sexual violence between December 2017 and October 2018 but only 195 arrests were made, statistics show.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Operations Jim Andrews, pictured, said police reports showed that 11 convictions were made and 960 cases were referred to several partners of social welfare department, safe houses, village courts, lawyers and police. “The statistics show that we have a lot on our hands to do,” Andrews said.
He said improved policing of family sexual violence (FSV) cases could not exist in policy alone but should be reinforced by effective police action.
“We will have effective police action when our policemen and policewomen believe in their hearts that all forms of violence against women and children or the defenceless are unacceptable and punishable,” Andrews said.
He encouraged committed officers of the units, who had helped many victims, to continue with their jobs and not be discouraged.
A total of 6700 members of the Police Department who are working with the FSV unit, are the only hope women and children have, he said.
The new FSV unit is an important development to support and access justice for survivors, Australia High Commission counsellor law and justice Gina Wilson said.
Bilateral partners of Australia and PNG continue to work together to tackle the issues in the country to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups, she said.