Family and sexual violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world. It has profound impacts on survivors’ lives, with many needing to find safe accommodation, file police reports, seek medical care, take out protection orders, reconnect with their families, and rebuild their careers after escaping a violent situation.
Access to appropriate support services is crucial to improving outcomes for survivors. Opening our doors in 2014, Femili PNG was established to help survivors navigate the complex care and justice systems. Our local NGO works in close collaboration with police, courts, safe houses, family support centres (FSCs), and private sector and NGO partners to link survivors with the support they need. We were the first Papua New Guinean organisation to offer these services.
Femili PNG has assisted over 7,000 clients and their families through our case management centres in Lae, Port Moresby (which operates under the Bel isi PNG initiative), and Goroka. We also run the Bel isi PNG safe house in Port Moresby, where we support an average of 17 women and children in safe accommodation every night.
In addition to providing case management assistance, Femili PNG undertakes extensive outreach in communities and schools to raise awareness about violence and what help is available. We train community leaders to support survivors locally; and help coordinate family and sexual violence services in the regions where we operate. We also undertake research-based advocacy, working to improve government responses to gender-based violence.
This short film tells the story of Femili PNG, through the lens of the people who access our services, and the organisations and communities we support. It was created by Weightless Films, with funding from FemiliPNG Australia.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance from Femili PNG, email [email protected], or call the 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain: 7150 8000.
