Watson Gabana
More than 70 employees of Laga Industries, a manufacturing company based in Lae, were challenged to be good citizens and report family and sexual violence in their communities during an awareness-raising session this month.
Femili PNG Operations Manager, Denga Ilave and Sister Serah Kasa, a nursing officer at the Family Support Center (FSC) at ANGAU Hospital, delivered the message through a problem-solving skit. The two officers also talked about different forms of abuse and their consequences including; emotional, physical, sexual and verbal.
Both said that survivors are increasingly reporting abuse perpetrated against them to service providers, mostly from their partners and immediate family members.
“We are seeing a lot of survivors coming to FSC every day,” Sr Kasa said.
“Women are not punching bags. They need to be respected and valued. Even some men are becoming victims,” she said.
Denga told the staff to be responsible citizens by reporting cases they see or hear to the relevant authorities.
“Family and sexual violence is an issue affecting our families, communities and the nation. Everybody must play an active role to support the fight against this issue in our city and country,” Denga told the staff.
“You must take full responsibility for the safety of your spouse and your children,” Denga said.
“Report any form of abuse. Do not see things as normal and ignore,” she said.
Employees who attended said they appreciated the awareness.
The lunch hour awareness meeting was organised by Laga Industries’ Health and Safety department.
