“More and more women are coming forward to report sexual crimes at the Family and Sexual Violence Unit at the Waigani Police Station.”
2nd In charge of the Waigani FSVU, Mary Louise Avu said that they receive about 20 new cases each day.
“We usually get women coming in to report cases however we get about 2-3 men coming in to report their partners.”
“More men are coming forward due to awareness we carry out where we inform the community that men too suffer abuse at the hands of their partners, and it is ok to come forward and report it to the police.”
The work of the Family and Sexual Violence Unit is to prosecute those who commit crimes of FSV such as assaults, wounding, attempted murder, incest rapes, and sexual assaults should be recorded and investigated.
Avu told PNG HAUSBUNG 5yrs ago, they were only getting 5 cases a day as people were scared to come forward and there was not much information available on reporting FSV and Gender based violence cases.
“At the Waigani FSVU, people can go in and report new cases on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while Tuesdays and Thursdays are for following up on the progress of the cases.”
Avu said that once a report is done on a case, the officers then work on getting the interim protection order organised for the survivors.
“FSVU facilities ensure that survivors of FSV have access justice and protection services in a secure and more comfortable environment.”
She highlighted that the unit is a small unit however they try to assist everyone that comes in to put in their reports.
“There is a lot more work to be done in combating FSV and GBV in the communities however, logistics is a big issue and manpower as well.”
“If you or someone you know is experiencing family and sexual violence or child abuse, FSVU can help you through centres in Port Moresby, Lae and other provinces as well.”