Australia donates vehicles to police Family and Sexual Violence Units

The Australian aid program today provided eight vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to better equip Family and Sexual Violence Units and desks across the nation to support survivors of violence and respond to crime.

The President of the Australian Senate, Senator Stephen Parry, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, presented the vehicles in a ceremony at Boroko Police Station.

The eight vehicles will support Units and desks in Gulf, Hela, Madang, Manus, Morobe, the National Capital District, Southern Highlands and Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

“These vehicles will help police to connect survivors of violence to services and to arrest perpetrators,” Senator Parry said.

“The vehicles can be used to assist survivors to travel to court hearings, safe houses and other services such as medical appointments.

“The donation ensures every Unit in Papua New Guinea will have a dedicated vehicle to support survivors of violence and tackle crime.”

Since 2009, Australia has supporting the establishment of Family and Sexual Violence Units and desks at 14 police stations around the country, and is currently building or planning four new Units in Kerema, Manus, Mendi and Tari, which will each receive a new vehicle. In addition to resources, Australia’s assistance includes ongoing specialised training for police officers investigating family and sexual violence crimes.

The Australian Government provided PGK1.2 million to fund the purchase of the vehicles as part of its commitment to strengthening law and justice in Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville through the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership – Transition Program.