Family, sexual violence in Hela alarming

Family and sexual violence (FSV) cases reported in Hela is high and continues to grow at an alarming rate, a senior police officer says.
Officer in-charge of the Hela Family and Sexual Violence unit Sergeant Alice Arigo said yesterday during a two-day consultation workshop in Port Moresby, where law-enforcing agencies and service providers associated with gender-based violence (GBV) and FSV unit gathered to review and discuss strategies to address those problems.
“We have more than five FSV cases every day and the number increases on certain days. The number of cases reported is for Hela only, the other districts also have FSV cases that are not being reported,” Arigo said.
“To address the issue, we need help from the health sector, police, prosecution, and the courts. Better networking and communication channels are needed to deliver fast services to serve the victims.
“Cooperation from all sectors is needed. Most victims are women and children who come to seek our services. We help them however we can, given the limited resources and man power we have.
“Geographical location is also another setback when it comes to catching the perpetrators.
“Training and awareness should be conducted throughout the country to inform the public as well the law-enforcing agencies to know how to handle and deal with FSV and GBV cases.”