Violence not addressed immediately: Nun

The National National
Sr Lorena Jenal (left), who takes care of violence and torture victims, with women in Mendi, Southern Highlands, during the World Day Against Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation Violence yesterday. – Pictured supplied

By JINA AMBA
SORCERY accusation-related violence (Sarv) and domestic violence are not being addressed immediately, says a nun.
Sr Lorena Jenal, who takes care of violence and torture victims at House of Hope in Pomberel village in Mendi, Southern Highlands, said they had two mothers who were blamed and tortured three years ago, but nothing was done about the perpetrators.
“Both are very healthy and strong women,” she said.
Sr Jenal said sorcery accusations in Southern Highlands was common and often led to violence.
“Of particular concern are indications from research that women are six times more likely to experience sorcery accusations and violent behaviour than men,” she said.
She said while the prevalence of Sarv seemed to be a relatively recent phenomenon in Southern Highlands, comparative research has found that Southern Highlands had experienced as many cases as provincial Sarv hotspots of Chimbu, Eastern Highlands and Morobe within the same 20-year period (1996–2016).