Polygamy linked to high rate of violence against women in SHP

By Rebecca Kuku
GENDER-based violence is high in Southern Highlands because of the practice of polygamy, says a police officer.
Mendi Police Family and Sexual Violence Unit Constable David Amos told The National that gender-based violence against women was high.
He said they received more than 20 cases a day.
“About 75 per cent of the cases we receive are mostly to do with physical violence in families where polygamy exists,” he said.
“In this part of the country (Southern Highlands), it is still accepted for a man to have more than one wife,” he said.
Amos said when they arrested and charged offenders, the women withdrew the complaints, opting to have the matter resolved traditionally through the payment of compensation.
“We have been counselling those who come in and advising them that the Family and Sexual Violence Unit will not entertain the compensation practice to sort out issues.
“But compensation is part of the culture and is widely practised.
“So most of the cases tend not to go through the full process and the perpetrators get away easily.”
He said that due to the practice of polygamy and compensation, violence against women was very high.