Women subjected to violence

HALF of PNG women have been raped in their own homes and 68 per cent subjected to physical violence, according to Femili PNG.
It said, in a statement on its website, that family and sexual violence was increasing.
Femili PNG is a non-government organisation based in Lae and Port Moresby.
It runs case management centres to assist survivors of family and sexual violence in accessing services they need.
“In many countries around the world, including Papua New Guinea, people are told to stay at home to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” it said.
“It is said that the safest place to be right now is at home. But for women and children who have been experiencing family and sexual violence, is it safe for them to be in a lockdown situation at home with their abuser?
“Are they at a much greater risk?
“Data shows that 50 per cent of PNG women have been raped in their own homes and 68 per cent subjected to physical violence.”
It said under normal circumstances, survivors could access available services when abused.
“But with the current situation, most of our service providers such as police and hospitals have their attention on Covid-19,” it said.
“Even a few of the services are not operating.
“It would be difficult for survivors of FSV to access these services.
“For those experiencing family and sexual violence, child abuse, or if you know someone going through abuse and needs help, you can reach us on Femili PNG Lae case management centre phone, 472 8904, mobile number 7080 5378 and email [email protected]