Business community to help FSV victims

The business community in Port Moresby has joined forces in a bid to assist victims of family and sexual violence (FSV).

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday between representatives from six organisations to begin the process, working towards the establishment of a FSV Seif Haus and Case Management Centre.

The organisations include The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Bank South Pacific (BSP), PNG Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu PNG, Anitua Limited and Norton Rose Fulbright PNG.

The MOU follows a 2016 feasibility study conducted by initial partners BSP, IFC, BCFW, with the support of the Australian Government, for a possible Port Moresby-based private sector led FSV support initiative.

Findings revealed there was a demand from the private sector for a seif haus providing for up to 650 bed/nights accommodation per year, case management services for around 150 FSV survivors per year, and professional counseling services for around 50 FSV survivors per year.

The initial partners agreed to progress with the initiative, using a private-public partnership, and invited other corporations to join.

Partners signing the MOU on Wednesday (June 7) intend to further evaluate, structure and seek necessary implementation funding for the initiative, which will provide support to individuals affected by FSV.

BCFW chairperson, Lesieli Moala Taviri, said this is an innovative model for FSV services and the businesses involved in this initiative are true path breakers in driving positive change for women and businesses in PNG.

“The most important thing today is the fact that even businesses are recognising that there is a strong need for such support services and that we’re willing to develop some sort of a model to actually help the victims of family and sexual violence and in turn, also help our businesses,” she said.

Whilst a model is yet to be developed, the partners will take into consideration the potential of collaborating with established seif haus programs in the capital city as well as in other provinces.

(From left: Norton Rose Fulbright PNG Principal, Lelai Karo; International Finance Corporation Acting Resident Representative PNG, Jonathon Kirkby; Anitua Limited Human Resources Manager, Violet Aopi; PNG Business Coalition for Women Chairperson, Lesieli Taviri; Bank South Pacific Chief Executive Officer, Robin Fleming; and  Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Managing Partner, Benjamin Lee).

Author: 
Cedric Patjole