08 August 2014
Australia boosts access to family and sexual violence support services in Oro Province
Australia is increasing access to justice for survivors of family and sexual violence in Oro Province with the official opening of the Popondetta Police Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) Unit today.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, said the FSV Unit would provide specialised facilities for designated police officers to respond to family and sexual violence cases in an appropriate and sensitive manner.
“Australia is committed to helping PNG in its efforts to end violence against women,” Ms Stokes said at the official opening ceremony.
“Since 2009, Australia has supported the establishment of 14 FSV Units in 12 provinces. Officers from the FSV Units have assisted almost 28,000 survivors of family and sexual violence.”
The FSV Units have designated police officers who support survivors of family and sexual violence to report cases, obtain Interim Protection Orders and access counselling, hospital care and safe housing.
“I pay tribute to the dedicated officers who provide these vital services. We must all support their work by renewing our commitment to speak out against violence in homes, workplaces and in public places, and by supporting gender equality. Men, as much as women, must lead this change.”
Ms Stokes also handed over two boats and a vehicle to assist the Oro Provincial Police Command, the Oro Provincial Village Court Office and the Popondetta Police FSV Unit to conduct operations and inspections to river and coastal communities.
The FSV Unit, boats and vehicle are part of a K450,000 justice support package for Oro Province through the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership.
The justice support package has included repairs to the Popondetta Police female cell block, funds for the building a new juvenile justice cell block, assistance to establish Village Courts in Kira, Afore, Safia and Tufi local level governments and training for police and volunteers working in juvenile justice, probations and community based corrections.