PATHWAYS TO JUSTICE

 

STRONGIM SINDAUN BLO FEMILI 

CIMC’s Family & Sexual Violence Action Committee has affirmed calls for more action and awareness to strengthen the helplines to respond to gender based violence in communities across Papua New Guinea.

This comes as the Committee launched a new 60-minutess documentary today titled: ‘Pathways to Justice: Strongim Sindaun Bilong Femili’ which highlights increase in domestic violence with calls to support women and children in need.

The film features the relentless efforts of Papua New Guineans who are in the referral pathway and those who lead in providing care and support services from the legal and justice sector.  

The production was commissioned by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) with support from the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership.

Speaking at the launch, CIMC Executive Director Wallis Yakam acknowledged the significant contributions of partners within the law and justice sector, government, international development partners, churches and community based organizations built over the last two decades.

A very happy family gathering.

She paid special tribute to the network of Human Rights Defenders spread across the country.

“It is important that we tell the journey of how far we have come and the tireless efforts of the Human Rights Defenders and community advocates, majority of whom are women who continue to support and protect survivors often in difficult circumstances.

The video also demonstrates the alarming upsurge in domestic violence especially during COVID-19 and delivers a vital message urging people to act to support women if they know or suspect someone is experiencing violence.

CIMC-Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee National Coordinator Marcia Kalinoe said the documentary provides practical information for survivors about the support and services that are available and how they can access them,” Ms Kalinoe said.

“But it also seeks to advocate for increased services for survivors of family and sexual violence.

She said too often people get into victim-blaming, which is the main reason why women are hesitant to seek help, we need to break the bias. Ending FSV is everyone’s responsibility.

Village Court officials on Yule Island in Kairuku. 

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day today. Let us be reminded that this is a critical time for women and girls, and urgent action is needed to make lifesaving difference to women and girls in our homes and communities,” said Ms Kalinoe.

The documentary was officially launched by Australian High Commissioner Jonathan Philps, and Police Commissioner David Manning at the Port Moresby’s Apec Haus.

Attorney General Dr Eric Kwa was represented by Deputy Secretary Josephine Pitmur who gave the closing remarks.

The documentary will also be screened on EMTV on March 24, 2022 at 7:30pm to mark National Women’s day and replayed on Sunday March 27, 2022 at 7pm.

Police in Buin, South Bougainville.