Police urge incest victims to speak out about abuse

By TONY PALME
POLICE in Jiwaka say incest was unheard of in the province but three recent cases brought to their attention was an indication that victims remained tight-lipped despite suffering from the abuse of trust.
Police commander Inspector Horim Piamia said an elderly man from Taimel village in Minj, South Waghi, was in police custody after raping his daughter last month.
Police confirmed that the father was under the influence of liquor when he took his 13-year-old daughter in a vehicle to Banz in North Waghi, raped her and then took her home. The girl reported it to her mother and they went the police and reported the matter, resulting in the arrest of the father.
Two other cases were reported from Kurumul village, also in South Waghi, but no further charges were laid against the suspects as the relatives of the victims had given up on their perusal for justice.
One of the cases from Kurumul occurred in 2016 and the suspect was committed to the court but no further actions were taken.
Piamia said incest was an animalistic act that discredited the dignity of the victim and brought her shame.
“We discourage this act of ‘misuse of trust’ and appeal to victims and their relatives to report such abuse to people like community leaders, councillors and police,” he said.
“Abuse starts at home and it could be your father, uncle or immediate family member doing it, however, victims have the right to be protected by the law.
“We encourage those who suffer from sexual abuse like incest to come out and speak up.”