Break the cycle of abuse against children in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea is one of our closest neighbours, yet it’s hard to believe it’s home to some of the highest rates of violence and abuse against women and children in the world.  Seventy-five percent of children report physical abuse and around 80% report verbal abuse in the home.  Approximately 55% of women report sexual abuse and even more are said to be victims of domestic violence .

Save the Children supports the Eastern Highlands Family Voice, a local organisation in Goroka, Papua New Guinea.  The organisation provides counselling support to families, particularly women and children, who are victims of domestic violence or abuse.  Naomi Yupae, Executive Director of Eastern Highlands Family Voice, shares her story.

Can you tell us about the situation in Papua New Guinea around sexual abuse, child abuse and domestic violence?

In two out of three homes women and children witness or are involved in domestic violence, child abuse or sexual abuse.  It’s quite prevalent at all levels of society and the context of violence is increasingly changing.  Statistics say that more than 50% of women have been forced to have sex, but the numbers could be even higher.

Add to this traditional practices like polygamy (having more than one spouse at the same time), which can result in jealousy and unrest; violence between the women is not uncommon.  

So, as a child, imagine if you experience this growing up and two thirds of the families you know experience violence too?  Violence and abuse becomes a normal part of life to them, and that’s how the cycle continues.  And Family Voice is advocating to break the cycle of violence through the programs we deliver.   

Has the situation changed over recent years?

I think progress is being made.  There are more services available for victims of violence throughout the country than, say, in the 1990s.  Non-government organisations, such as Family Voice and Save the Children, are teaching children, young people, and parents that violence is not okay.  More people including children are aware of their rights and responsibilities and cases are being reported.

In many ways it is also about education.  We educate all family members that violence is not acceptable and we promote non-violence in resolving conflict because violence and abuse is not okay.  We know that in Papua New Guinea if, for example, a woman has been beaten by her husband, she will turn to her family first and not think about going to the police.  So education of children and families is the key.

What is your organisation and Save the Children doing about it?

We provide support and counselling services to help those affected by violence and abuse.  We are based in Goroka, in the Eastern Highlands, but serve women, children and men from other provinces as well.  There are seven full time paid staff who work for Family Voice and on average about 40 to 50 people are counselled each month, so it is very stressful and tiring work.  

We do awareness campaigns targeting families to educate them about the harmful effects of violence and train them non-violent ways of dealing with disputes or conflict.  Family Voice also trains volunteers so we can extend our work to rural areas where more than 80% of Papua New Guineans live.

Can you tell us about some of the children you have worked with?  

At the moment I am working on an incest case which has been going for quite awhile.  It is before the courts at the moment, which is a small victory.  I can’t say more about this case because it is my duty to protect these children and families, but it is a particularly tough one.  I think generally people do understand that violence is a bad thing, but there is a long road ahead, particularly for this case.    As an organisation we face many challenges in working with the police and the courts. Enforcement of laws especially in dealing with the perpetrators is a daily frustration.

Everyday we get cases reported about children being neglected and basic needs of children like food, clothing and shelter are not provided.  It is heartbreaking.   

What makes you want to do such challenging work?

It is challenging work but I find it very satisfying. I want to remain hopeful that the next generation will grow up with knowledge around these issues and start to change. I love working with people at the grass roots level who are looking for educated Papua New Guineans to guide them through difficult times in their lives.  As a woman I would like to be able to support women to be able to make life choices to live a life free of violence despite tradition and beliefs.

I want to acknowledge and thank Save the Children for its valuable support to Eastern Highlands Family Voice over the last ten years. Without its ongoing support Family Voice will not be able to do the work it does to serve the women, children and men of Eastern Highlands and throughout Papua New Guinea.

Break the cycle of abuse against children in Papua New Guinea by donating online today or call our toll free number 1800 76 00 11 and donate over the phone.