Girls, women suffering in silence from violence

By VANESSA NIKEN
HIGHLANDS human rights trainer Cathy Amaiu says there are too many sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) against girls and women who are suffering in silence.
“My heart bleeds for them, especially those who had been burnt alive,” she said.
Cathy told The National that it was appalling the law, the community and the government were not doing anything for SARV victims and their family members.
“I have got three cases that are related to me. What’s happening outside, we do not know, and public is also ignorant,” she added.
Cathy spoke at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Human Rights Defenders Association and Enga Sori Mama Association that aims to create a safe environment for women and girls.
“We are not paid but we are doing work for the country and for our children to have a better life and peaceful environment,” she said.
“This is a small step to big things. Parliament is preaching about having a safe Papua New Guinea, having a safe environment for women and children but who is going to implement it?
“This is our country and we are the ones to implement it,” she added.
Cathy said there was a lot of violence in the rural areas because policing was lacking.
“We have a culture where man is boss, he can beat his wife as well as having extra marital partners. It is treated as a norm, and we do not have any says in the name of culture,” she lamented.
Cathy said women should be educated to exercise their rights.