No violence is tolerable

VIOLENCE against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
If you know someone who is being frightened or intimidated by the behaviour of someone else, it is not okay.
Domestic and family violence is epidemic worldwide and should be addressed firstly through the government with funding which is a major challenge to efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls in PNG.
Despite legislations, rules and process on matters relating to gender based violence being amended to be user friendly in terms of taking matters to courts, a lot of awareness has to be done.
That is why all who are concerned should work together with the victim to take advantage of this and until such time victims break the stigma against reporting GBV, the victim will continue to suffer.
While the law is there to protect and support survivors or victims, a clear pathway to medical and psychological help should be readily available.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be exceedingly difficult – and inadequate services to help women plan for and cope after leaving makes it even more difficult.
There are many common myths and misconceptions held by the public concerning women experiencing family and domestic violence, and about patterns of family and domestic violence in different cultures and context.
Family and domestic violence is any culture is heinous and reporting each case as an individual tragedy is the only way awareness can be raised about the seriousness and prevalence of the issue.
Today is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and is an occasion for governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations to raise public awareness of violence against women.
It has been observed on Nov 25 each year since 2000.
Efforts to prevent and end violence against women at the global, regional and national levels shows that there is widespread impunity on sexual violence and rape.
The 2019 theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is ‘Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape’.
Like in previous years, this year’s International Day will mark the launch of 16 days of activism that will conclude on Dec 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
Several public events are being coordinated for this year’s International Day.
Iconic buildings and landmarks will be ‘oranged’ to recall the need for a violence-free future. Orange the world is the message from the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign.
The idea is to use the colour designated by the UNiTE campaign to symbolise a brighter future without violence.
All member countries have been urged to organise events to orange streets, schools and landmarks!
Here in PNG, there should be zero tolerance in our nation for violence against women, and community leaders should do more to help victims rather than supporting perpetrators.
And what a perfect timing for the National Government to increase public awareness aimed at preventing domestic violence it is, to join the activism days.
All business houses should come on board and together with the Government paint the cities and towns orange.