NEC okays Family Bill

THE National Executive Council (NEC) has endorsed a Family Protection Bill to make domestic violence an offence in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said.
He added that family protection orders would be provided under the bill.
“All forms of domestic violence are contrary to the Constitution and the laws of PNG. 
“The harmful effects of domestic violence on the victims, especially women, are worrying.
“According to research, domestic violence is a widespread problem affecting more than two-thirds of families in PNG and its main form is wife-bashing,” he said in a statement.
Many victims of domestic violence suffered long-term physical, psychological and social scars, trauma and death.
The lid over domestic violence was now removed and the problem exposed as a national issue needing government intervention, O’Neill said.
O’Neill said cabinet approved the proposed Family Protection Bill and directed the office of the First Legislative Council to draft a bill for an Act to be called Family Protection Act 2013.