Family and Sexual Violence (FSV)

Tari Opens FSVU Office

The purpose-built unit significantly enhances the ability of police to investigate and prosecute family and sexual violence, child abuse and similar crimes and provide vital support to survivors and their families.

The K1.6 million unit, which includes private interview and counselling rooms, a children’s play area and disability access, was built with support from the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership.

It is the 27th FSVU to be established with Australian government support and is part of a network of 47 FSVUs now operating across PNG.

Firms, govt gather for FSV forum

Facilitated by the Business Coalition for Women, the one-day program brought together member companies and government representatives who discussed referral pathways and services that are available for survivors.

The FSV forum aimed to showcase the existing referral pathways and services available to member companies of the Business Coalition for Women, as well as support the outcomes of the 2020 gender-based violence summit.

Panelists at the discussion included Lae MP, John Rosso, and BSP CEO, Robin Fleming.

Supporting FSV survivors

“I think most people, when seeing the aftermath of Family and Sexual Violence (FSV), show genuine sympathy and compassion towards the survivor.

“The challenge has always been what you do to help the survivor.”

Thornton, an executive management team member of BSP, shared his thoughts and experiences in supporting staff faced with FSV, and how awareness and support services have evolved over the years.

Much-needed support for safe house

A teacher by profession, caretaker Anna Aurere said they ensure women at the safe house are taught basic hygiene, how to keep their children and homes clean, counselled and encouraged to pray.

The June Valley safe house in Port Moresby has been open to survivors and victims of FSV since July 2019 and has accommodated and cared for 15 women and their children.

“We only look after the high risk survivors who are referred to us from our partners. It is a church and family run safe house,” said Aurere.

Community workers equipped to address FSV

“People need information and knowledge about the type of services that are available to them if they are experiencing violence. The training we are providing is based on the new FSV Survivor Advocate Toolkit and enlarges people’s understanding of the role and responsibilities of service providers and where survivors can get help,” says Captain Gomara.

The National Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee, under the Consultative and Implementation Monitoring Council, provided training in Port Moresby recently to more than 20 community workers.

​Rotary on a mission

Who’s Adam Hugh?

He is the new president of the Port Moresby Rotary club.

He says this campaign will be based around an already successfully running program by Rotary in Victoria, which is all about awareness and using the slogan #SayNO2FamilyViolence.

“The effects of family violence aren’t limited to what happens behind closed doors – the fallout affects the victim, the family, and friends as well as those who carry out the violence.

Business community to help FSV victims

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.

​Violence begins with disrespect: Advocate

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.

FSV police unit helps Ruth

Ruth met with domestic abuse coordinator of the Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) unit Sgt Job Eremugo today at their office at Gordon’s Police Barracks.

Ruth reported that since she has spoken out, she continues to receive threats from her husband via calls and text messages.

Eremugo confirmed that the matter is now with his unit and will be taken up to the chief magistrate for the family court.

He will represent Ruth to seek a restraining order that was set aside by the family court in Port Moresby only two months after she obtained it.