Injustice…a threat to justice

Injustice in any way is a threat to justice everywhere.

This quote by Martin Luther King Jnr was stressed by Chief inspector Delilah Sandeka when talking about family violence.

Sandeka is the district coordinator for the Family Sexual Violence Unit under the Royal PNG Constabulary.

“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly, so we cannot sit back and say that’s their problem, I’m not affected. Every one of us has to work together to see that family violence is reduced,” she said.

FV is at the highest prevalence now. 

Since the inception of the FSV unit in 2009, the country now has a total of 18 FSV unit establishments.

Port Moresby has 7 of these establishments in police stations. And from reported cases at the Boroko Police station alone, there are between 15 – 25 cases daily, coming in different forms.

Challenges still remain. Due to capacity situation, the units operate only from 8am to 4pm on weekdays.

The unit partners others like the Department of Health and women support groups to make work easier for them.

CI Sandeka said the passing of legislation, such as family protection act and lukautim pikinini act, also enables them to deal with clients.

But she urges the support of every individual.

West New Britain, New Ireland, Sandaun and Jiwaka are yet to establish their FV units.

Author: 
Gloria Bauai