New unit for Daru police to support survivors of violence

Daru police are now better equipped to provide protection to survivors of violence following the opening of a new family and sexual violence unit.

In cutting the ribbon to open the building, Honourable Governor Ati Wobiro thanked the Australian Government for funding the renovation and said the unit will greatly benefit the people of Daru and South Fly District. Governor Wobiro challenged the community to make Daru a role model for the rest of Papua New Guinea by putting an end to all forms of violence.

“If you are a real man, you will love your wife and children rather than abusing them and causing violence,” Governor Wobiro said.

Papua New Guinea’s domestic violence rates are very high, with some studies estimating that two in three women have experienced this kind of violence. Statistics compiled from the 15 provinces with established FSV units show that some 10,000 cases have been processed each year over the last 5 years. These of course are only the reported cases.

Australian High Commission First Secretary Peter Fennell said Australia is committed to working with PNG in its efforts to end violence against women.

“PNG and Australia recognise that one of the best ways to promote economic growth and stronger, more prosperous communities is to empower women and girls. One of the largest barriers to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is family and sexual violence - that is a crime that can never be tolerated”, he said.

Assistant Police Commissioner Jim Wan said the FSVU, as well as a dedicated vehicle also funded by Australia last year, are valuable assets to address a crime that affects thousands of Papua New Guineans each year.

“Police are often criticized for being biased especially in favour of the man. With proper training funded by Australia, this weakness has been addressed. The vehicle and the building being handed over will go a long way in supporting and improving Police capacity to more effectively deal with family and sexual violence here in Daru Island”, he said.

Honourable Member for South Fly District and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Aide Ganasi urged anyone who has suffered abuse to report the matter to police.

“The establishment of this facility should be welcomed because our women and children have been silently abused for so long. It is evident in Daru that young girls are becoming mothers at early years of age. And where does change start? It starts in the family unit,” Mr. Ganasi said.

The opening on 12 August was also attended by Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator Sam Bogey, Assistant Commissioners of Police Tony Duwang and Allen Kundi, Chief Inspector (FSVU) David Kila, Chairman and members of the Daru Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee, and the South Fly community.

The Australian Government provided PGK 300, 000 to fund the renovation of the FSVU.