A brave woman named Aria*, is a person with disabilities who stood firm for her two daughters. Despite experiencing on-going threats, intimidation and social exclusion, Aria fought to protect her daughters from a tragic cycle of sexual abuse perpetrated by their biological father.
Aria’s world got crushed down, but unlike many others who suffer in silence, she refused to let fear and social stigma stop her from seeking help and justice. Aria broke this circle to be the first woman in her village to report such crime to Family Support Centre (FSC) and later to Provincial Police Head Quarters (PPHQ). Despite risks of social isolation and counterattack from the perpetrator’s family and a community leader, she was determined to protect her daughters and seek justice for them.
Aria’s daughters went through a devastating sexual abuse that would have remain hidden for years. Her youngest daughter suffered sexual abuse perpetrated by her biological father in 2018 when she was just 3 years old. In 2020, the unimaginable incident happened again by the same perpetrator to Aria’s oldest daughter who was 11 year old at that time of the incident.
After the abuse came to light in 2021, a CID Officer at the PPHQ arrested the perpetrator. However, the journey to justice was far from over. For three years, the case slowly progressed through the courts, facing delays and obstacles. Throughout this period, the family endured mounting threats from the father’s relatives, who sought to intimidate them into abandoning the case. The perpetrator’s family combined with some of the community leaders and accused Aria for making up stories as they believed the biological father would not do such in-human act to his own children.
After recognizing the ongoing danger, the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) from the Public Prosecutors Office referred Aria and her two daughters to Femili PNG (FPNG) on May 4, 2024. FPNG took on the case and provided Aria’s daughters with a temporary accommodation considering the on-going threats in their community.
Whilst accommodated at a safe house, the two daughters aged 9 and 15 received emotional and psychological support they needed from FPNG case officers to prepare them for the upcoming court proceedings. Aria, too, received vital assistance, keeping her strong as she navigated the legal process.
FPNG’s case officer worked tirelessly, coordinating with the Public Prosecutors lawyer, Victim Liaison Officer, and Probation Officer to ensure that justice is served. As the case gained momentum, FPNG worked in collaboration with the Public Prosecutors to provide additional support. Despite numerous challenges, FPNG and the Prosecutors Office remained committed to the family’s safety and well-being, ensuring they were safe and mentally and emotionally prepared for the court trials.
Regardless of the trauma Aria and the girls endured, Aria’s elder daughter bravely testified during the First National Court Trials, facing the court with confidence on May 17, 2024, confronting her father who had wronged them.
In June 20, 2024, the National Court found the defendant guilty. During final interview conducted by the Probation Officer with the perpetrator in July 22, the perpetrator admitted the sexual abuse against his own daughters.
On July 26, 2024, while FPNG celebrated its 10th year anniversary, the pre-sentencing report was submitted to the National Court and justice was finally served. The perpetrator was sentenced to 23 years in prison—the highest sentence recorded as stated by the Victim Liaison Officer. It was a monumental victory, not just for the clients but for their family and partners working tirelessly on the case.
Before reintegrating Aria and her daughters back to their village, Femili PNG ensured the environment is safe and welcoming. With the police intervention ensuring that it was safe for Aria and her daughters to return, they were successfully reintegrated to their village on August 21, 2024.
The brave mother, Aria, was emotional when expressing her utmost gratitude and joy for the successful outcome. “Thank you to all the partners and Femili PNG for your never- ending support in ensuring that justice was served to my daughters. They can finally return home without fear,” says Aria. In acknowledging Femili PNG’s impactful work, she said she will do advocacy work in her community.
According to Femili PNG case officer, the successful outcome of the court marked a significant victory, achieved despite the numerous threats Aria faced since 2021 to abandon the case. It was a remarkable transformation that took place in their village when they return, as many young women and mothers from the community gathered around Aria’s home, eager to hear their story of resilience and justice. She became an advocate for other survivors of family and sexual violence (FSV), sharing her story of survival and the invaluable support she received from FPNG. Her courage inspired other women in the village, who began asking how they too could seek help and break free from the cycle of violence. One of their ward councilors pledged his support, vowing to stand with Aria and advocate to wider community.
Aria, the mother who had once been disliked for her bravery, was now a beacon of hope for others.
Aria’s journey was not only about seeking justice for her daughters. It was about breaking the silence and challenging the norms that kept many women and children in most communities trapped in fear. Through the unwavering support of Femili PNG, City Mission Safe Houses, Public Prosecutors Office, PPHQ, Courts, and few family members, the clients’ stories have become one of hope, transformation, and empowerment.
Thank you Australian Government for the continued support through PNG AUS Partnership. It has made it possible for Femili PNG’s Lae Case Management Centre to provide needed support, care and change to survivors like Aria and her daughters.
