Taking risk to save victims necessary: Church leader

CHURCH workers, in acting as frontline respondents for victims of sorcery accusation related violence (Sarv) put their lives in danger, but is necessary because of the support they provide.
PNG Council of Churches general-secretary Rev Roger Joseph, in a joint press conference of the Pentecostal, Evangelical and Catholic churches yesterday, acknowledged the work of churches in providing peace and comfort to the victims.
Conference panel member and Auxiliary Bishop of Wabag, Justin Soongie, said that there was often a missing link in providing support and that women within the community who took part in sorcery accusation related violence were equally guilty as the men who publically shamed and punished victims.
Soongie said there was a lack of preparedness and coordination at the district and community level when there was a case reported.
“Health workers, police and church workers cannot respond immediately because there is no coordination.”
Joseph said one of the weaknesses of government in implementing the Sarv strategic plan launched in 2018, was a lack of funding.