Victim withdraws charges

A Lae District Court has withdrawn the case of a father of two charged with domestic violence against his daughter on Monday.
Magistrate Jacinta Doa withdrew the case of Iso Elabe, from Tari’s Alongoli village in Hela for the domestic violence charge.
Doa made the ruling after the daughter asked the court to withdrew the case saying she missed her father’s presence at home and also they lived in the city where they needed their father as a provider to the family.
The court granted the victim’s wish and strongly warned and cautioned the father.
“I will withdraw this case only because the victim asked for it. You and your wife’s problem is your marriage problem, do not put it onto the innocent children,” Doa said.
“Your children are blessings from God, be responsible parents and don’t express your anger on your children, this is uncalled for.”
The court also issued an interpersonal protective order (IPO) to safeguard the child.
“I will issue an IPO to protect the child, if you ever lay a finger on her, you’ll be dealt with accordingly.
“Be a good role model for your children, create a violent free environment and change your approach to your children from now on and I hope this teaches you a lesson,” Doa said.
Police report stated that on June 19 around 7am, Iso Elabe was under the influence of liquor when he went home and woke his daughter and son and told them to look for their mother at Kona market at Malaita Street, Papuan Compound.
When the daughter was on her way out of the house, the father punched her on her left cheek, causing her to bleed.
He then ordered her and her brother to look for their mother’s phone when he allegedly hit her again with a PVC pipe on her back.