The month of October is internationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Papua New Guinea as one of the countries in the Pacific experiencing increasing cases of gender based violence is joining the rest of the World in observing this significant campaign.
Evidence from research shows that 2 in 3 women in PNG are victims of violence. This means that more than 80% of women in PNG experience various forms of violence such as sexual (rape, sexual harassment, incest, etc.), physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, cohesive control, cultural or religious violence.
Research also shows that 67 % of PNG women suffer from domestic abuse alone.
In reflecting on the DVAM, the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) is now appealing to all Papua New Guineans to show their support by:
- Wearing a purple ribbon
- Creating awareness against domestic violence in your home, community, workplace, schools and colleges
- Planing activities this month to participate in the 20 Days of Human Right Activism (November 20 – Dec 10)
- Telling someone about the 1-Tok Kaunseling Helpim Lain 7150 8000 or call this number to report any forms of family and sexual violence happening within your community
- Helping refer survivors to Family Support Centres in the Provincial Hospitals and Family Sexual Violence Units (FSVU) within Police Stations and to Seif Haus.
- Lending an ear to a friend who has a problem and need someone to talk to.
FSVAC is selling purple ribbons for K2 (per ribbon) and all proceeds from the successful sale of ribbons will go towards supporting FSV services.
For individuals or organizations interested in purchasing ribbons and supporting this worthy cause, call Nesther on 321 1397 and arrangements will be made to drop off ribbons.