Gender based violence is a ‘disease’,  says Police Commissioner

MARCH 8 2022

Police Commissioner David Manning says gender-based violence (GBV) is a disease that needs to be treated.

Front from left: Australian High Commissioner Jon Philips, Police Commissioner David Manning, media personnel, survivors of Gender Based Violence, members of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council and Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee at the launch of the video to mark International Women’s Day.

Commissioner Manning made this remark today at the programme for the launch of a video documentary on Family Sexual Violence Referral Pathway.

 The video, titled ‘Pathways to Justice – Strongim sindaun bilong femili’, is a documentary showcasing the legal and support options available for survivors of family and sexual violence in PNG and the people and services working hard to keep them safe.

The documentary was launched today at the APEC House in the National Capital District to mark International Women’s Day.

Australian High Commissioner Jon Philips with the members of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council and the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee.

Mr Manning told attendees, including members of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) and the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC), that the constabulary was committed in addressing GBV in the country.

He said the Constabulary continued to build capacity as it dealt with GBV, Family Sexual Violence (FSV), and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV). He said this was an emerging challenge for the constabulary and it recognised the need to establish a response specifically to deal with violence in these settings.

Commissioner Manning said it was a continuous challenge for the constabulary, but the challenge had been best mitigated through networks established with likeminded and concerned individuals, as well as organisations in the public and private sector including non-government organisations and faith-based organisations.

Mr Manning said the constabulary had trained thousands of members on how to deal with GBV, FSV and SRV. Over 100 members of the constabulary had been trained specifically to deal with FSV nationwide.

Mr Manning said the constabulary was committed in dealing with these various forms of violence, whose victims were usually women and children.

He said the constabulary was committed to providing leadership to deal with GBV and associated forms of violence and appealed to the various partners for their continued support.

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