Residents from four communities in North Bougainville are taking practical steps to prevent violence, strengthen safety and encourage people to seek help early, following locally led awareness activities delivered by Next Impact in Selau-Suir Community Government Constituency.
Supported by Australia through the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership (APLJP), local organisation Next Impact recently delivered awareness on gender-based violence and Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) across four communities: Patuna, Bonis, Manob and Munanga.
The sessions brought together youth, women, chiefs, ward members and community representatives to discuss sensitive issues affecting families and communities and identify local solutions that can prevent harm before problems escalate. The sessions also helped community members better understand available referral pathways and where to seek support when experiencing or witnessing violence.
Next Impact lead Cyrus Sevour Latu said the initiative was grounded in the belief that communities are strongest when solutions come from the people most affected.
“The strongest communities are built on local solutions for local people. Our aim is to prevent small problems before they become bigger issues and create lasting peace and change through collective action between young people, women, chiefs and ward members,” Mr Latu said.
During an awareness session in Munanga, community member Ms Jacinta Korus said awareness helped people speak more openly about issues often hidden because of fear, shame and division.
“SARV is becoming more prevalent in our community and is making it harder for people to seek professional help and support through health, law and justice services. Awareness like this helps us know where to go for help, and leaders and chiefs must talk openly and resolve these issues when they arise,” Ms Korus said.
The awareness program concluded with a community clean-up in Kokopau, reinforcing the message that peace, safety and good order are shared responsibilities. Next Impact is looking to expand the campaign to more wards and communities across Selau-Suir and the greater North Bougainville Region.
Australia is proud to partner with locally led organisations in Bougainville and Papua New Guinea to support locally led approaches that prevent violence, strengthen community safety and cohesion, and improve access to justice.
The Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership is a PNG law and justice sector-led initiative, with programs identified through the National Coordinating Mechanism and delivered in partnership with sector agencies.
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Next Impact Founder Cyrus Sevour Latu addressing community members during a gender-based violence and sorcery accusation-related violence awareness session in Selau-Suir Constituency, North Bougainville.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100