Workers trained to assist victims of violence

A TRAINING was conducted recently in Port Moresby by the Salvation Army to equip community workers with the skills and knowledge needed to assist survivors of violence access justice and protection.
The National Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) Action Committee, under the Consultative and Implementation Monitoring Council, provided the training.
“People need information and knowledge about the type of services that are available to them if they are experiencing violence,” says Captain Velena Gomara of the Salvation Army.
“The training we are providing is based on the new Family and Sexual Violence survivor advocate toolkit and enlarges people’s understanding of the roles and responsibilities of service providers and where survivors can get help.”
More than 20 community workers were trained on the use of the toolkits, which a guide to inform and support those experiencing FSV.
The toolkit is a user-friendly flipchart with illustrations and step-by-step instructions that explain Family and Sexual Violence, define the laws relating to FSV and the role of service providers such as police and the courts who provide support to survivors.
As awareness of Family and Sexual Violence has increased, more and more survivors are reporting cases to the police and demand for support services is growing.