The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary deserves praise for its initiative to establish Family and Sexual Violence Units in police stations across the country, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Mark Kessler, head of the ICRC Mission in Port Moresby, said rates of domestic and sexual violence were concerning in PNG but the police's new FSVUs were a step in the right direction.
"Survivors of sexual and domestic violence in PNG often feel like they have nowhere to turn," he said. "We hope that once these units are up and running, those affected will gain the confidence to seek justice and support from the police."
Mr Kessler was speaking following the ICRC's donation of 10 printers and cameras for 10 of the FSVUs, of which 17 have already been established.
The equipment is intended to allow police officers working in FSVUs to better document cases and improve court conviction rates, which remain low in PNG for this type of crime.
Victims of domestic and sexual violence can seek counseling at the National Welfare Office and free medical care at Family Support Centres in public hospitals.
For further information, please contact:
Dan Waites, ICRC Port Moresby, tel. +675 708 80 624
