Femili PNG, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), has confirmed high rates of violence in its recently released 2-year data.
The Lae-based NGO runs a Case Management Centre (CMC) to assist survivors of family and sexual violence access the services they need.
Since commencing operation in 2014, Femili PNG has been collecting data on their clients and their needs.
A report covering the first two years of their operations was released last Friday, December 15.
The report shows that Femili PNG assisted over 900 people; 93 percent were female and 18 percent were children.
Most adults coming to Femili PNG were suffering from verbal abuse and threats (85 percent) and physical violence (86 percent).
For 95 percent of clients, the alleged perpetrator is a family member, friend or neighbour.
Most alleged perpetrators are male (88 percent). However, when it comes to children, 78 percent of perpetrators are male, 10 percent female, and 13 percent males and females acting together.
The NGO also carried out its first client survey in 2016-17.
It found that counselling, transport and support to obtain legal, medical and police services were its popular services used.
And while clients were satisfied with the service provided by the NGO and its service partners, this survey identified that delay in access of services for survivors is a hurdle that urgently needs to be overcome.
This was raised as a main complaint by clients.
One client said: “I wish to recommend that when survivors come, they should receive the services they need without delay. Delaying means they are perpetrated again and again.”
Femili PNG case work manager, Evan Bieso, said: “It is important for Femili PNG to get feedback from our clients.
“We are glad that with our service partners we can provide a good service. We are working hard with our partners to help survivors obtain appropriate and timely services.”