People reminded not to remain silent on violence

THE death of young mother-of-two, Jenelyn Kennedy, after reports of continual beatings should again remind people not to remain silent about domestic violence, an official says.
Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) of Port Moresby president Marie Balil said the fact that people knew about the abuse Jenelyn was going through, and the beatings which led to her death, but did nothing about it “is unacceptable”.
“There were people around who were supposed to report it to the police or the many hotlines available,” she said.
“There is no reason for people to remain silent about these things. We must not wait until a life is taken away before calling for justice.
“With domestic violence, both the woman and man need help. And counselling services are available.”
She said the YWCA which empowered young women was urging law enforcement agencies to swiftly take action when a domestic violence case was reported.
“They should not wait for five years as seemed to be the case in Jenelyn’s death,” she said.
She said there were safe-houses that women could stay while the man should undergo some form of “rehabilitation”.
“We are not making use of the avenues available to help the domestic violence victim and perpetrator,” she said.
Balil said many men were choosing very young women as their wives.