Group wants law enforced

 A HUMAN rights group has called on the government to implement the Family Protection Bill to address domestic and sexual violence issues. 

Eastern Highlands-based Human Rights Networking Committee commended parliament for passing the bill, describing it as a step forward for the country. 

Chairman John Ericho said the government needed to adequately resource its agencies responsible in addressing those issues. 

“With the escalating number of family and sexual violence (FSV) cases being presented to the Eastern Highlands Family Voice and other service providers in Goroka, hopefully the new law will arrest eventually eliminate FSV issues in the country,” he said. 

“Laws are not necessary if only we can change our cultural orientations, fears and notions we may have been exposed in the past. Laws only function as deterrents but the real change must come from the heart.”