On 12 August 2026, the Femili PNG Outreach Team in Lae conducted a successful awareness session for people living with disabilities (PLWD) in Butibam, Ahi Village, focusing on Family and Sexual Violence (FSV).
The purpose of the session was to educate people with special needs about the support services available to them and to reassure them that they can access these services without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Training and Outreach Coordinator, Paul Kunump, shared information on intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and child abuse, particularly as these issues affect people living with disabilities. He also explained the referral pathways available for survivors’ seeking assistance and support.
The team emphasized the important role parents and caregivers play in supporting the wellbeing of people with special needs. Mr. Kunump said participants were keen to learn and showed strong interest in understanding issues that affect their families, communities, and society.
Throughout the session, participants actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating a genuine desire to learn about FSV and the available support services. Their participation highlighted the need for continued awareness and access to information within the community.
One mother shared that a child in her family was experiencing abuse from another family member. She expressed gratitude for the information provided, stating that it had given her the knowledge and confidence to seek appropriate support for the child.
Although the awareness session was specifically targeted at people living with disabilities, many participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and requested that similar awareness activities be extended to the wider community.
Through this outreach activity, Femili PNG was able to identify several challenges faced by this vulnerable group in accessing essential support services. These challenges include fear of reporting perpetrators, particularly when they are family members, and a lack of awareness about available support services.
The session had an immediate and positive impact, with participants coming forward to share their experiences and discuss the barriers they face when seeking help. Their openness highlighted the importance of ongoing awareness programs and accessible support services to ensure that people living with disabilities can live safely and free from abuse.
