Stokes glad to hear responses against violence

 AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner Deborah Stokes says she was pleased to see a strong reaction to recent instances of violence against women in Papua New Guinea.

She joined the people in their move to end violence against women.

In a media statement on Tuesday, Stokes said she was pleased to see a strong responses from the people against family violence.

“The Australian government is strongly committed to helping PNG in its efforts to end violence against women through our development partnership’s focus on the prevention of family and sexual violence, and on access to justice for survivors,” she said.

During her recent visit to PNG, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched two initiatives under the AusAID programme which would add to these efforts. 

“The PNG women in business initiative will establish a mentoring programme to assist women access management positions and to tackle violence against women,” Stokes said.

Gillard also announced a new phase of the PNG-Australia policing partnership, which would assist PNG police make the country a safer place for all.