Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Police unit gives survivors better access to justice

Survivors of family and sexual violence will have better access to justice and support services with the recent opening of a dedicated Family and Sexual Violence Unit at Waigani Police Station.

The stand-alone unit, the seventh of its kind in PNG, will give FSV survivors a place where they can report assaults and seek advice and support in privacy, comfort and safety.

It adds to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s rapidly expanding national network of services for family and sexual violence survivors. There are now 25 FSV Units funded by the Australian Government in operation, as well as FSV desks at several other police stations with a total of 106 police officers attached.

Speaking on behalf of the Constabulary, Deputy Commissioner Jim Andrews said that between December last year and October this year, 2,013 FSV cases were reported in NCD and Central provinces, resulting in 195 arrests, 11 convictions, and 960 referrals to other services including sexual offences squads, safe houses and welfare organisations.

Mr Andrews reiterated the Commissioner’s determination to establish the FSVU’s as a “fully-fledged” directorate within the RPNGC structure. 

Australian High Commission representative Gina Wilson said the Australian Government was proud to partner with the RPNGC in funding the facility.

“The Waigani Police Station serves a good number of residents in the NCD, and as the population expands, so does the demand for police services,” she said. 

The Waigani FSV Unit, which has been operating out of an office in the main police station building, handles up to 25 inquiries and complaints a day. The new facility is essential in ensuring survivors of FSV can access justice and protection services in a secure, more comfortable environment. 

Ms Wilson said it was fitting that the Waigani FSV Unit was opened on International Human Rights Day, and reiterated the Australian Government’s commitment to working in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea to address family and sexual violence.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australian High Commission Counsellor Law and Justice, Gina Wilson, and RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Jim Andrews cut the ribbon at the new Waigani Family and Sexual Violence Unit