No actions on GBV, says official

MUCH have been debated on gender-based violence (GBV) and sorcery-accusations related violence but nothing has been done to remedy the social problem afflicting Papua New Guineans, Tribal Foundation founder Gary Bustin says.
“We have been helping and supporting gender-based violence victims and sorcery-based violence victims since 2015,” he said.
“Many people, especially women and children, have been victims of both violent issues but no serious legal action had been taken with most perpetrators getting away with it.”
Bustin said people were killing one another in PNG because “they do not value human life”.
“Women and children flee their villages and never return because they are afraid of being attacked by their own communities who have accused them of practising sorcery,” Bustin said in a media conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
He said the meeting of the coalition of parliamentarians to end GBV last Friday was a right move by the leaders.
“There has been too much talk but no action,” he said.
“It is about time tough laws and policies are put in place so perpetrators can be charged and arrested if they kill or hurt innocent people, especially children.
“The killings continue because there are no tough laws to deter such violence.
“Women do not report domestic violence cases.
“This is because when women file reports or formal complaints about the issue of domestic violence, sexual or verbal assault and abuse, it takes a year or two for the matter to be addressed in court.
“This is discouraging and frustrating.
“Thus, most women keep quiet and accept domestic violence.”
Bustin said a good judiciary system would put away perpetrators.