Offenders stopped from paying compo

EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird has commended Justice Minister Bryan Kramer’s efforts on doing away with offenders’ opportunity to pay compensation to escape punishment under the new Family Protection Bill 2022.
“You (offenders) will not be able to pay compensation to cover up for what you did wrong, so this is one of the bills that I am very proud to lend my voice to pass and I’m sure that our women and girls, who are mostly the victims of gender-based violence, will thank us for it,” Bird told Parliament yesterday.
“Our women and girls have been crying for many years for protection of the law in this area of domestic violence.
“They deserve all the support we can give, particularly, lately where we see all forms of violence increasing in our country.”
While debating amendments made to the Family Protection Act of 2013, Bird started by expressing his condolences to the family of Senior Constable Tony Mark, who was recently killed while promoting awareness of drug use and domestic violence.
Based on a report Bird had received from his provincial police commander, Mark was out in the community working to help women who were victims of domestic violence, which is often a result of alcoholism and drug abuse.
“I am proud that this house has seen fit to bring important amendments to this legislation so that our women and children can recognise that we do care for the sufferings they face at the hands of perpetrators,” Bird said.
“I would like to encourage members of the judiciary and police force to ensure that these amendments are fully implemented so that victims can be assured that they will get some justice.”
Kramer, when introducing the Family Protection Bill 2022, said: “The sad reality is that we only hear about a few cases through print and social media, but there are countless number of individuals who struggle in the privacy of their home. Which is why the government has heard the concerns of the people and have taken measures through the review of the Family Protection Act of 2013 to increase the penalty for offenders of gender-based violence.”