Female cop committed to addressing sexual violence in Hela

By JINA AMBA
POLICE Sergeant Alice Arigo is committed to addressing cases of family and sexual violence in Hela.
In 2011 when she was posted there, she quickly set up a specialist family and sexual unit desk to deal with and offer help to those who experienced gender-based violence.
Sergeant Arigo said she wanted to change how things were being dealt with in Hela.
With the training she had received on gender-based violence and human rights thanks to the PNG-Australia partnership programme, Sergeant Arigo decided to focus on helping survivors of such violence.
Her work gradually gained the attention of her superiors and in 2014 was appointed the officer in charge of Hela’s Family and Sexual Violence desk.
The desk has become a vital resource for women in Hela, not only helping those experiencing violence but providing assistance on a wide range of matters involving children and families.
“I am just happy to do this to serve my womenfolks in Hela,” she said.
“Because I am doing it genuinely with my heart, I did not quit or deviate from my course. I am doing all I can in whatever way I can to help.”
At the Koroba District Hospital, two-thirds of the sexual violence cases brought to its Family Support Centre last year involved those 16 years or younger.
She believes many other assaults go unreported.
“There is always a need for a FSV unit in Hela,” Sergeant Arigo said. “They feel free to come and register their cases.”