Police in Minj, Jiwaka Province are now better able to address family violence in Jiwaka with the recent opening of a Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) at the Minj police station.
Police personnel welcomed the new facility describing it as an important boost to their work in addressing crimes against women and children. Strengthening FSV systems is more important than ever as rates of violence are expected to increase during the COV-19 crisis.
Constable Daisy Tamugo, Officer In Charge of the unit, is enthusiastic about the opportunities the facility brings to current police processes and programs to prosecute perpetrators and help survivors.
“This has boosted my morale. I am honoured and I feel privileged to have this unit to help me do my work well,” said Constable Tamugo.
She stressed that the new FSVU will assist survivors of FSV and encourage them to access help.
Constable Kawa Dingeli, who is stationed at Nondugl, says the unit gives renewed hope to the police to assist women and children who usually suffer silently.
He also appealed to the community not to rely on traditional conflict resolution processes to solve FSV crimes.
“Mediation and other traditional ways of resolving family violence might satisfy the community and clan leaders, but they do not always bring complete and inner peace to individuals and families.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Joanna Clarkson was also on hand to open the facility, and reminded the crowd that violence against women and children is a serious crime, which the current police management are committed to addressing.
“Family sexual violence is a crime, and the perpetrator needs to face the law whether you are in a marriage or not. The person - man, woman or child - who is being abused, has a right and we cannot stop the person from seeking police help and exercising that right.”
Deputy Commissioner Clarkson also reminded the police to be good role models as custodians of the law.
The unit was built with support from the PNG-Australia partnership, which will also provide training programs to equip police officers to investigate FSV crimes and provide support for FSV survivors.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Australian High Commission’s Elizabeth Beard, Deputy Police Commissioner Joanna Clarkson and Jiwaka Provincial Administration’s Andrew Mangi officially opening the FSVU to the police and community to use in the campaign against family violence.