All violence begin with disrespect.
Rosemary Anne "Rosie" Batty, a strong campaigner against Family and Sexual Violence, said this to more than 200 men and women at the UPNG Main Lecture Theatre last week.
Batty was drawn to the work of advocating against violence after losing her 11-year-old son in 2014. Unfortunately, her son was murdered by his father at a cricket field.
When addressing students and stakeholders, Batty explained that violence is about ultimate power and control.
“There’s a degree of openness found here that is difficult to find in Australia,” added Batty.
She made this statement after discussing the attitude of her own people towards the issue, as compared to that of Papua New Guineans.
Batty also asked that perpetrators of violence be helped and encouraged men to be actively involved, in order to see change.
After her son’s death, Batty decided she did not want him to die in vain, hence her active participation in campaigns against violence in Australia.
Batty’s story inspired many Australians and she was named the Australian of the year in 2015.
The purpose of her visit to UPNG was to share her story, as well as Australia’s experience on Family & Sexual Violence reforms.
The event was largely sponsored by Steamships Limited, along with the support of AUS Aid, FemliPNG, UPNG, Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct and the Voice Inc.
(File picture: www.nytimes.com)