Police urged to lead fight against gender-based violence

POLICE officers in the National Capital District must take the lead in efforts to stamp out all forms of gender-based violence beginning in their own homes.
NCD metropolitan commander Chief Supt Fred Yakasa made the plea last Friday when addressing police CID (criminal investigation division) and traffic officers from the city’s eight police stations at the completion of a week-long gender-based violence education workshop at the Hideaway Hotel, Six-Mile.
Chief Supt Yakasa said that violence was a global concern and a growing problem in Papua New Guinea.
“The country must make its stand known and be part of the international campaign to stamp it out, being party to relevant United Nations human rights conventions.
“Taking this campaign forward will also require further strengthening the strong support and partnership of other key stakeholders of Government, development partners, non-governmental organisations and the churches.
“It is not easy being a police officer because as law enforcing figures and role models who have taken oath, it is our duty to be at the forefront and rid this disease that is eating away at the fabric of society,” he said.
Chief Supt Yakasa said gender-based violence education must start right at the school level and called on relevant authorities to ensure this so that young people a thought respect and other values and to help them practice it when they grow up and have families of their own.
“I also want to encourage every officer to be part of the campaign for White Ribbon Day and International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on which is due on Nov 25,” he said.