BY JOY OFASIA
The churches, provincial and national government and community leaders and everyone are encouraged to work together to cut down the issue of violence against women and girls.
This was highlighted by Doris Puiai, Project Coordinator of Violence against Women and Girls in her speech during the 2nd appointed day of Temotu province.
Mrs Puiai said a lot of women and girls are experiencing violence which are sexual violence, emotional violence, economical violence and physical violence almost on their daily bases.
She said that in 2008 and 2009 the Solomon Islands Government commissioned a study which was ‘Family Health and Safety Study’.
“The study shows the rate of prevalence of violence against women and girls in this country is 64 percent which has doubled the global rate which is one in three women around thirty percent which means we have painted a bad picture with this issue,” she said.
Mrs Puiai said government have taken the responsibility which there are systems are in placed so that women and girl who experiences violence can access those places which are SAFENET services.
She explained that SAFENET services are coordinated by the government through the Ministry of Women, Youth Children and Family Affairs.
“The members of SAFENET are: Christian Care Centre, Safe Place, and Family Support Centre, Social welfare Division, Police and Public Solicitors Office,” she explains.
The project coordinator advices the public to Call 132 if anyone experience violence to be referred to the right service.
“Therefore I would like to call on everyone to work together with churches, provincial and national government and community leaders to cut down this issue of violence against women and girls.
Mrs Puiai said the 2nd appointed day of Temotu province theme is ‘Temotu working together for a good future’ but this cannot happen if we do not feel safe and do not have a peaceful environment to live in.
