BSP family enjoying a fun day out.

After our homes, our office and workplaces become the second most familiar place for many in the workforce. In fact, if we remove the amount of time we sleep at home we end up spending more active time at the office than in our homes. For this reason, many companies and organisations realise the need to have a healthy work-life balance and have begun to include families in end of year official fun day events.

This allows families to come together to meet their partner’s colleagues and hear about what the company or organisation is doing. Being inclusive of family members goes a long way in building trust and appreciation between the workforce and their families.

Bel isi PNG was privileged to be invited to two of our partners and subscribers Family Fun Days to witness the joyous events and raise awareness among staff and their families on the services Bel isi provides. The theme of the event was ‘Healthy families, healthy lives’.

On Saturday the 7th of October, BSP held its Family Fun Day at two different locations to ensure COVID-19 protocols were observed. The two venues included the Oil Search National Football Stadium and Sir John Guise Stadium. Hundreds of BSP staff turned up at both locations with their spouses, children and other family members to take part in a fun packed program of Zumba, games, the police dog show and the now famous senior management team relay led by their staunch CEO, Robin Fleming.

Robin Fleming, BSP CEO, ready with his BSP relay team.

The United Nations held their Family Fun Day in quite a different setting but with no less fun on Monday the 7th of December at the Port Moresby Nature Park. Under the United Nations Delivering as One banner, all the different UN agencies turned up with their families to celebrate the end of a challenging year tackling COVID-19 in partnership with the PNG Government.

The UN Resident Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla led his team and their families in dance and light-hearted fun after going through a year full of uncertainty to ensure the pandemic was managed appropriately.

Bel isi PNG and other services providers such as Lamana Dental and the Cancer Foundation were also present at the event to inform staff and their families on where to go if they needed help.

UN Family Fun day at Nature Park

Pam Kenyon (right) and Kristine Castilio (left) of Namba Wan Trophy Ltd handing over the donations to Konnie Yoifa and Danielle Winfrey of Bel isi PNG.

As we come to the end of a challenging but successful year, we would like to sincerely thank all our partners and subscribers who have donated generously in cash and kind to Bel isi PNG. All donations are shared with other safe houses and essential service providers such as the Port Moresby General Hospital to help survivors of violence and the sick.

During the COVID-19 State of Emergency Exxon Mobil donated two containers of frozen food items which was very timely. The Bel isi team worked tirelessly to make sure all the public safe houses, the City Mission Youths, Bomana prison and Port Moresby General Hospital received the frozen goods in good condition.

We also thank the Australian High Commission staff for their kind donations and ongoing support throughout the year.

We would also like to acknowledge PNG Namba Wan Trophy Ltd for their generous donations of food, clothes and stationery for children. Namba Wan Trophy has also arranged for bread to be delivered two times a week to Bel isi PNG which we then share with the other public safe houses. A special mention to Yolande Saesaria Gui of NWTL Special Projects and Brookwater Community Brisbane Australia, NWTL CSR Team and Harish Srinivasan of Seafast Pty Ltd (for the transport of the donated goods from Australia). From the Bel isi PNG team and the people of PNG we say thank you.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported us in one way or the other for your time, support and donations.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2021 from the Bel isi PNG team.

Leon Buskens, Oil Search Ltd Country Manager, delivering his commentary at the National GBV Summit

Prime Minister James Marape urged men in PNG to rise-up and pledge at a personal level to stop violence against women and girls in his opening remarks at the inaugural National GBV Summit.

The three-day National GBV Summit, held in Port Moresby from the 8th to the 10th of November, was a historical event which brought together the Coalition of Parliamentarians against GBV and stakeholders for the very first time to address GBV as a national agenda.

The Coalition of Parliamentarians Against GBV, led by NCD Governor Powes Parkop and East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, is made up of 15 parliamentarians who have started lobbying for more political will and action at the national level.

The three-day high level dialogue captured recommendations for the Coalition of Parliamentarians which they took to parliament sitting the same week. Over 700 participants from across the country took part in the summit.

Bel isi PNG played an active role in the planning and implementation of the Summit as part of the NCD GBV Task Team led by Governor Parkop and his team at NCDC.  The United Nations and European Union jointly funded the event through the Spot Light initiative.

The leadership from the private sector in addressing GBV/FSV was evident at the summit with two prominent business leaders, Robin Fleming, CEO of BSP, and Leon Buskens, Oil Search PNG Country Manager, sharing their experience as supporters organisational subscribers to Bel isi PNG.

Governor Parkop challenged his political counterparts to rise up and follow the lead and example private sector has initiated in combating GBV/FSV holistically.

Collaborative partnerships are key to addressing gender-based violence, according to Leon Buskens. Buskens reaffirmed Oil Search's commitment in driving change through leadership and collaborative partnership. In his address, he drew attention to the availability of initiatives, such as Bel isi PNG that provide case management and safe house services.

He noted that by the end of the second year of operations, Bel isi PNG has been able to assist more than 700 survivors of violence and abuse. Most of them were women, followed by children and around 30 were men. Of the 700 survivors, more than 200 women and children have required a safe house because their personal safety, and sometimes their lives, were at risk. 

Robin Fleming emphasised  the need to focus on families and to put God first in all we do. BSP has been actively taking part in the Thursdays in Black campaign in all  BSP branches throughout the country with  leadership and support from the most senior leaders in BSP.

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership between Papua New Guinean and international businesses, the National Capital District Commission and is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, Bank of South Pacific, Oil Search, Steamships Trading Company, the Business Coalition for Women, Femili PNG and G4S.

Haus Ruth is one of the oldest and most trusted safe house services in PNG. Over the years the property had become extremely dilapidated and its operator, City Mission lacked resources for essential repairs.  

Funds raised by Bel isi PNG and Oil Search Foundation in November 2018 during a walk to end violence against women were used for renovations.

Over K300,000. was donated by companies and individuals to support the fundraising effort. The renovations, completed in June, have improved the safety, security and general functioning of the safe house, providing a more welcoming and safe service for women and children fleeing violence. 

Curtain Brothers was contracted to carry out the maintenance work and many other business partners also contributed at their own cost.  Planpac completed the design and City Mission provided labour support for all the painting and repairs through their youth program. 

ODG then donated and installed the fire alarm system; Dulux Paints donated all the exterior and interior paint and Badilli Hardware provided doors, timber, hardware and plumbing.  Bishop Brothers provided painting equipment.  Oil Search Foundation managed the funding and ensured all money donated was properly accounted for.

This extraordinary example of partnership with support from the business community is inspirational.  The before and after photos below demonstrate the amazing job carried out by Curtain Brothers and
the City Mission Youth

Haus Ruth - Before

Haus Ruth - After

Bel isi PNG is pleased to announce the added benefit of support in developing, implementing and reviewing policies addressing family and sexual violence (FSV) for our subscribers. The Business Coalition for Women
will be providing this support at no additional cost under the Bel isi PNG subscription package.

Dealing with FSV can be a daunting task, whether the staff affected is the victim or the perpetrator. Organisations can respond better to FSV situations with a carefully crafted FSV policy and procedure. An effective policy identifies available support options such as leave provisions, transport and case
management services. BCFW will help each partner develop an approach that suits the specific needs of their organisation and staff.

For those interested in the role the private sector plays in family and sexual violence please refer to the following report, The COVID-19 shadow pandemic: Domestic violence in the world of work: A call to action for the private sector,  link provided:  https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2020/06/brief-domestic-violence-in-the-world-of-work

It has been a busy period for our team at the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre since the COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) was declared. We remain very concerned about the spike in levels of violence being reported across the world and anticipate increases in PNG.

Between the months of January to June 2020, the Bel isi PNG operator, Femili PNG, received a total of 208 new cases and four reopened cases bringing the progressive total to 619 clients since the case management centre was opened in October 2018.   

Since January 2020 we provided 39 clients and 20 dependents with safe accommodation. A total of 1,945 consultations were provided to clients, service providers or the relatives of the clients in the same time period. Thirteen individuals (women and children) were repatriated to their home provinces with the support of Bel isi PNG partners.  

Women represented majority of new clients (87.5%) followed by female child clients at 6.7%, male adult clients at 3.8%, and male child clients at 1.9%.

Of the 208 new clients, 31 survivors identified as having a disability (14.9%), with a few survivors having more than one disability.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is consistently the highest cause of presentation with 87% of clients experiencing it.   Around 8% clients experienced child abuse and 2% experienced sexual abuse not related
to IPV. One percent of clients presented with sorcery related violence. 

From February to March 2020 we provided FSV awareness sessions for 214 staff from subscribing companies, bringing the progressive total of staff attending these awareness sessions to 2,626 since 2018.

Due to the onset of COVID-19 and the strict government regulations in place we will not be hosting public events with big gatherings in the foreseeable future.  This includes the annual Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum and the Bel isi PNG Walk to End Violence Against Women and Children (EVAW) which usually takes place in
November. We will continue to provide regular updates and communication via email and virtual meetings during this period.

We have 15 companies that have subscribed to Bel isi PNG and others negotiating new subscriptions demonstrating the ongoing need for these services.  

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public/private/civil society partnership between Papua New Guinean and international businesses, the National Capital District Commission, and is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, Bank of South Pacific, the Business Coalition for Women, Oil Search Foundation, Oil Search Limited, G4S and Steamships Trading Co.

Air Niugini, has joined Bel isi PNG by becoming a subscriber of the service.

Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has joined Bel isi PNG by becoming a subscriber which will ensure support to victims of family and sexual violence (FSV). The initiative recognizes the impact family and sexual violence has on employees, and the increasing costs to employers and businesses in general as a result of this.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Bruce Alabaster said with the partnership now in place, airline staff who are faced with family and sexual violence will now be able get timely assistance with well-coordinated processes and procedures in place to guide them.

He said “Air Niugini does not condone any form of violence including family and sexual violence and we are serious about this partnership to ensure our staff are protected from violence, especially our female staff who make up 48 percent of the workforce.

Mr. Alabaster added that continuous violence can have short- and long-term impacts on the mental and physical health of staff which can in turn have significant economic and social costs not only for employees and employers but also the wider community.

“Implications of family and sexual violence vary from a staff not being able to perform at work to lost productivity, increased staff turn-over, increased absenteeism and others. It is therefore important that any staff faced with violence gets the assistance that he/she requires regardless of the gender.” Mr. Alabaster said.

Bel isi PNG is a public, private, civil society partnership that provides access to case management and safe house services for survivors of family and sexual violence (FSV). Along with that it provides business leaders with transformational tools to support change in the workplace and community, this includes awareness training for all staff and support with FSV policy development and implementation.

Bel Isi PNG Program Manager, Danielle Winfrey expressed appreciation, “We look forward to the opportunities this partnership with Air Niugini presents.  Through this subscription service, Bel isi PNG will support Air Niugini to comprehensively address the impact of family and sexual violence in their workforce.”

Evonne Kennedy, Executive Director for Business Coalition for Women added: “The business community can play an important role in providing a timely response to staff who are experiencing family and sexual violence.  We know the significant costs of family violence to business. We also know companies can play an important role in raising awareness and making sure that staff have access to good support”.   

Bel isi PNG is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, Business Coalition for
Women, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co, G4S and Oil Search.

If you are subject to abuse or violence or know someone who is; seek support through the Bel isi PNG Case
Management Centre. Call the emergency contact numbers on, Bel isi PNG Case Management: 79169063 ,  St John Ambulance 111, Counselling: 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim, 7am-7pm, 7150-8000, Police: 24hr Toll Free Hot Line 1800-100, Transport: G4S Meri Seif Line 7222-1234, COVID-19 Toll Free Help Line 1800200,   Or you can visit www.belisipng.org.pg or email info@belisipng.org.pg

Femili PNG, operator of Bel isi PNG, handed over the much needed PPE to the National FSVU Coordinator Chief Inspector Delilah Sandeka at the National FSVU Office at Boroko Police Station.

Bel is PNG has come to the aid of the Police Department with donation of essential equipment to assist its COVID 19 response.

It donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and hand sanitizers to the Department’s Family and Sexual Violence Units. (RPNG FSVU)

This donation was made possible through funds raised by four local development workers - Stephanie Copus-Campbell from Oil Search Foundation, Jacqui Joseph of Equal Playing Field, World Bank’s Patricia Veever-Carter and Oxfam PNG’s Charlotte Kakebeeke who took part in a marathon in Dublin, Ireland last year.

The quartet ran the 42km race to raise funds to support efforts addressing violence against women and children in PNG. They raised K250,000 and donated this to Bel isi PNG.  Their sponsors included Friends of Femili PNG, Oil Search, Curtain Brothers and many individuals.

Femili PNG, the operator of Bel isi PNG presented the much- needed equipment to the RPNG’s National FSVU Coordinator, Chief Inspector Delilah Sandeka at the National FSVU office in Port Moresby. 

The National FSVU office expressed gratitude for the donation which also included hand sanitizers.

“We appreciate and are grateful for this timely assistance from Bel isi PNG and Femili PNG during this SOE COVID-19 response. It’s a team effort and it is also encouraging to see partners supporting each other to help survivors of violence,” said Chief Inspector Sandeka.

“This will go a long way in supporting the work we do. The masks and hand sanitisers will be distributed to all the FSVU’s in Port Moresby along with the RPNGC Sexual Offences Squad and police stations in Central province,’ she said.

Director of Femili PNG Port Moresby, Konnie Yoifa said, “The safety of our law enforcers is important because they continue to work daily in responding to cases of domestic violence. The PPE’s donated were from the efforts of our many partners who continue to play a transformational role in supporting the work we do.”

Bel isi PNG is committed to working with all its key partners such as the Police Family and Sexual Violence Units, the National Capital District Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee, the Port Moresby Family Support Centre, 1-Tok Kaunseling Helpim Line and Child and Family Services to ensure ongoing support
in responding to cases of domestic violence during this uncertain time.

“If you are subject to abuse or violence or know someone who is, seek support through the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre. We are operating and ready to help.” said Yoifa

“You can call the emergency contact numbers for Bel isi PNG and partners on, Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre: 7055-4407, COVID-19 Toll Free Help Line 1800200,  St John Ambulance 111, 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim, open 7am-7pm every day on, 7150-8000, Police: 24hr Toll Free Hot Line 1800-100, Emergency Transport: G4S Meri Seif Line 7222-1234. Or you can email Bel isi PNG at info@belisipng.org.pg

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership. It is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific
Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co, G4S and Oil Search.

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership.

COVID-19 is not only a public health threat but also poses social risks including the potential to
increase fear and stigma, discrimination and violence.

Many people have been told to stay at home during the COVID-19 global pandemic to prevent the
spread of the virus in the event there is a widespread outbreak in Papua New Guinea. But for some,
that could mean more time in the very place where they are experiencing a different threat to their
safety and well-being - family violence and child abuse.

This is a major concern for all countries around the world and PNG is no exception.

One initiative that has continued to offer services during the COVID-19 State of Emergency is Bel isi
PNG, a public, private and civil society partnership, operated by Femili PNG. The
organisation supports those experiencing family and sexual violence while engaging the
private sector in collaboration with other partners, from both the government and civil
society.

Seventy-nine new clients have accessed the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre during
the State of Emergency, bringing the progressive total to 538 client s since the organisation
opened its doors in October 2018. Out of these 79 clients, 19 individuals were provided
safe accommodation at the Bel is i PNG Safe House, bringing the progressive total to 195
since inception.

Bel isi PNG is grateful for the support from key essential partners such as the Police Family
and Sexual Violence Units, the National Capital District Family and Sexual Violence Act ion
Commit tee, the Port Moresby Family Support Centre, 1-Tok Kaunseling Helpim Line and
Child and Family Services for their ongoing support in responding to cases of domestic
violence.

The outcomes achieved for clients include interim and permanent court protection orders,
arrest of perpetrators, medical referrals, referral and case management for child abuse
cases and repatriation to home locations away from their violent environment.

“Bel isi PNG takes the current COVID-19 threat very seriously and has put in place all necessary
measures to mitigate any foreseeable risk to our operations” says Bel isi PNG Project Manager Danielle
Winfrey. “As in other countries we are seeing a rise in domestic violence cases due to the imposed
lockdowns. Because of this the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre and Safe House operated by
Femili PNG remains open and ready to help survivors,”

Winfrey also shares a comment by a survivor who told her “ with the current pandemic, I thought the
services were closed and did not think my case worker would check on me, but after receiving a call
from the centre I was overwhelmed to know that the services are still available for access.”

If you are subject to abuse or violence or know someone who is; seek support through the Bel isi PNG
Case Management Centre. We are operating and ready to help.

You can call the emergency contact numbers on, Bel isi PNG Case Management: 7055-4407, COVID-
19 Toll Free Help Line 1800200, St John Ambulance 111, Counselling: 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim, 7am-
7pm, 7150-8000, Police: 24hr Toll Free Hot Line 1800-100, Transport: G4S Meri Seif Line 7222-1234. Or
you can visit www.belisipng.org.pg or email info@belisipng.org.pg

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership. It is supported
by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part
of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, National Capital District
Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co, G4S and Oil Search.

We understand all organisations and the public are busy dealing with the unprecedented situation posed by COVID-19. 

In doing so please note that many experts are concerned that the social distancing, self-isolation and the stress caused by COVID 19 will increase the risk of domestic violence. This is a concern for all countries around the world.

We are working closely with our government partners to comply with national guidelines and will take necessary steps to ensure services are available to our subscribers.

Through Bel isi PNG we are currently operating both the safe house and case management centre. If the
virus spreads, we will temporarily operate the case management via a telephone service and close the safe house, although we will still support high risks clients.

Stay connected and spread kindness during COVID-19

Please consider if domestic violence is an increased risk for you or your loved ones and think
through a plan on how to minimise your risk and respond to any challenges you might face.

We're here to help and have provided more information below, including contact support details. 

Domestic violence

Learn the signs of abuse and reach out to get help. Signs of family or sexual violence:

• Visible physical injuries like black eyes and other bruises.

• Receive harassing messages from their partners

• Seem afraid of, or are anxious to please their partners

• Have limited or no access to finances or decision making

• Show changes in personality, behaviour or physical appearance

• Stop taking care of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs

  How can you keep yourself safe?
  It’s vital to protect yourself from harm if you feel that you’re being abused. If you’re unsure about your safety, it’s important to talk to someone. If you feel uncomfortable, you may have to move to somewhere safe.

  Believe in yourself
  If someone is continuously abusing you, remember that it’s never okay for someone to hurt you or threaten to hurt you. The best thing you can do in this situation is to remove yourself from the situation.

  Support pathways
  Recognising that there’s a problem is the first step in getting help. The second is to know that you’re not alone. If you need to get out fast, you have a number of options.

  Get support
  Making a decision to leave a situation where you feel unsafe may be hard and scary. Bel isi PNG is available to provide support.  If possible, you can also talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or counsellor. Cases involving of violence should be reported to the police.

  Where to go
  In high risk cases, you can call Bel isi PNG to access the Bel isi PNG safe house or another safe location.  You can also get in contact with a trusted family member or friend and ask if you can stay with them while you work out what to do next.

  Emergency Contact Numbers in Port Moresby:

  COVID-19 Toll Free Help Line 1800-200

  St John Ambulance 111

  Bel isi PNG Case Management: 7055-4407

  Counselling: 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim, 8am-3pm, 7150-8000

  Police: 24hr Toll Free Hot Line 1800-100

  Transport: G4S Meri Seif Line 7222-1234

  You can also email us at: info@belisipng.org.pg

  And access our website at: www.belisipng.org.pg

  
  Keep safe and thank you for all your support. We will get through this together.

Across the world, women are killed by current or former partners in staggering numbers. In Australia, one woman a week is murdered 1, with this year alone already nearing 70. Across the world, United Nations research suggests 58,000 women were killed in 2017 by intimate partners. Evidence shows that the highest risk period for a woman who experiences family and sexual violence includes just before leaving an abusive relationship and immediately after leaving.

“Only approximately one-half of the 456 women who were killed or almost killed by a
husband, boyfriend, or ex-husband or ex-boyfriend in a study of homicide of women accurately perceived their risk of being killed by their abusive partner. Women are unlikely to overestimate their risk; however, many will underestimate the severity of the situation.”

If a survivor is at high risk
immediately prior to and after separation, and may not accurately perceive the
severity of the risk, what can we do to assist a survivor when they decide to
leave an abusive relationship?

General Support     

• Encourage and support a survivor to seek the assistance of the Bel isi PNG case management centre (ph: 7055 4401), develop a safety plan and consider the professional advice received;

• Encourage a survivor to change their routine and known living, travel routes and work locations;

• Respect the need for them to keep their location confidential;

• Offer support to the survivor and respect their choices.

Workplace Support

As an employer or manager, a variety of measures could be considered in order to support a survivor:       

• Enabling the survivor to access special paid leave provisions to relocate to a safe location and seek appropriate protection orders;

• Facilitate remote work;

• Enable a temporary change of work location;  

• Allow part time or flexible work hours;       

• Coordinate safe transport to and from work;

• Ensure front gate and security staff are aware of the risk and do not allow access to perpetrators;

• Change office email and phone numbers.

The safety of the Bel isi PNG safe house clients and staff are our number one priority and as such the location of the safe house is always kept confidential. Clients are requested to comply with the Bel isi PNG safe
house policies and guidelines to ensure their safety when they are most at risk.

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership. It is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co and Oil Search.

BSP fun day

Bel isi PNG has 13 subscribing organisations who are providing supportive workplaces and services to employees and displaying visible leadership in order to influence attitudes towards Family and Sexual Violence (FSV).

Many CEOs and Human Resource leaders approach us and ask, what more can I do? In this article, we provide some examples of approaches other organisations are taking to communicate information about FSV. These approaches are seeing results with over 370 cases registered at the case management centre since opening last year.

We thought we would share with you some of their approaches which may give you some ideas for your own organisation.

BSP Leading the way

BSP is a founding partner and passionate advocate behind Bel isi PNG and providing support to their staff. Not only have they contributed the building which houses the Bel isi PNG safe house, they have also implemented a group wide FSV policy and established Voices of Hope. Voices of Hope is a support group within the business which allows survivors to reach out to each other to provide comfort and a safe space
to share their experiences through their healing journey.

“The interest and care shown through peer support has been overwhelming” says Alicia Sahib, Head of Support Services, who is the initiator of Voices of Hope as well as a key supporter behind Bel isi PNG.

“Without the leadership of BSP’s Group CEO, Robin Fleming, none of this would be possible. For sustainable change within an organisation on an issue that impacts our staff and their family’s well-being, support and
accountability of the Group FSV Policy from the highest level is critical” says Ms Sahib.

Recently, BSP hosted a Family Fun Day to promote happy families. This combined outdoor fun family activities together with information booths where families could seek information. Bel isi PNG was one of these booths and information on FSV and support services were available for staff and families.

Exxon Mobil Roadshow

Exxon Mobil conducted a service providers roadshow for its employees at its various sites from the 7th to 11th of October and was available for all staff and contractors to access. Bel isi PNG was one of many services providers who were invited to provide information. We shared information to all staff on FSV, the support services available to them and how they can access this.

Exxon Mobil staff were grateful for the expo as it gave them the opportunity to easily access different service providers such as Bel isi PNG, Nambawan Super, Internal Revenue Commission, banks and superannuation
funds to raise their queries. In a busy site-based environment, staff do not have much time to access different service providers and greatly appreciated their management’s leadership in organising the events.

Digicel

Digicel management wanted to ensure all staff had access to information about Family and Sexual Violence and the support services available for employees. They achieved this by making the Bel isi PNG one-hour awareness sessions were compulsory for all staff forming part of the mandatory annual training program. This means important information is made available to all staff including what is family sexual violence, the forms it can take, where to access help, what case management is as well as the essential medical services
that should be sought following sexual assault.

In order to ensure management was supportive, they also approached Bel isi PNG and asked for supervisor specific awareness sessions. This will ensure managers know how to talk to someone who is or has experienced family and sexual violence as well as what support they can confidently provide their staff.

These are just some examples of what companies are doing to visibly lead in changing attitudes to family and sexual violence through their workforce, as well as providing a supportive environment for survivors to
access services. If you would like to subscribe to services for your workforce, please contact us at info@belisipng.org.pg.

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership. It is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co and Oil Search.

Exxon Road Show

Maintenance to safe haus

Youth unemployment and violence against women are two pressing challenges in Papua New Guinea.

But there’s a way to tackle both at the same time – and it’s happening at a local safe house.

Founded and run by City Mission, Haus Ruth is Port Moresby’s oldest and biggest refuge for survivors of family and sexual violence. Women and their children go there for counselling, support and advice, and stay there in safety.

In recent times, they’ve been joined during the day by a group of young men, who are moving on from problems of their own. The homeless or orphans. They are graduates of another City Mission program that’s been designed to get troubled boys off the street and give skills and values with which to build a
new life.

And when they say “build”, City Mission means it quite literally. Drawing on funds raised by Bel isi PNG, and the expertise of construction from Curtain Bros, the young men have been working to refurbish the 60-year-old Haus Ruth and provide a better life for the women and children that stay there.

“It’s a big old timber building, structurally sound and in need of some repairs and maintenance,” says Amanda Anderson of Oil Search Foundation, who help Bel isi PNG raise and manage the funds.

“City Mission approached Curtain Brothers to see what they could do, and they were kind enough to to come on board provide all the skilled labour at their own cost while City Mission provided the young men to learn skills on the job and help complete the project. It’s a great example of working in partnership.’”.

“We’ve had some really good guys come in to help,” says Grant Isakson, the Curtain Bros building manager overseeing the works, and helping the boys pick up new skills.

“We’ll probably offer them a job when we’re finished.”

“So far, we’ve sanded and painted the outside, added new eaves, gutters and pipes, and replaced the flywire and security screens. Now we’re repainting every room, retiling the bathroom, fixing the electricity, replacing rotten floor boards, and adding a few kitchen cabinets.”

“It will take a while, because there are still people living here, and we need to observe security protocols and not disrupt their day-to-day activities any more than we have to. One way or another, we want to keep the
place open, because women have got nowhere else to go. There’s not a lot of facilities around Moresby for women with no family to take care of them.”

“The whole project is still only about 30% complete, but things are already looking fantastic”, says Anderson. “Safe houses like these are vital to the community and I think it’s great to see the community and business support for them”.

For his part, Isakson paid tribute to the many big and small business in the city who contributed building materials free of charge.

Things are tough up here now, there’s not a lot of work around, but even so they’ve been donating a lot of gear. Covering everything from paint, tiles and pipes to free fire alarms, free building
accessories have come from Dulux, Taubmans, Bishop Brothers, Atlas Steel, Badili Hardware, Paradise Interiors, ODG PNG, Aspen Medical, M&E Partnership and the PlanPac Group.

“Haus Ruth is like any building,” says an equally grateful John Reesink, the General Manager of City Mission. “You leave it for too many years, and sooner or later, they just become shabby to a point where no-one wants to live there.”

This is the second safe house supported by the Bel isi PNG fundraiser.

Another local safe house was also made safer and more comfortable following a major refurbishment including painting, tiling, plumbing, improved security, a new septic system, furnishing and linens.

The safe house manager advised, “we are pleased to be able to continue to offer essential services to survivors in our newly refurbished facilities thank all partners for their generous support. Funding in the sector is very limited and we would not have been able to make these improvements without
support”.

BSA Construction, that was awarded the contract for the refurbishment also contributed by providing significant building services from their own supplies and at their own cost, over and above original scope of works.

BSA Construction Manager said that he and his team came to feel “honoured to be a part of such a great cause”.

“Domestic violence is something that is very common is this country and to have the opportunity to build something safe where woman and children can seek refuge was a privilege. This really hit home with a lot of the guys working with our team. That’s why we really tried to provide extras in every way we could, and we will continue to provide free maintenance to the house in every single way possible.”

“To see the team’s faces at the end of the job, when we were thanked by residents and pastors from around the church and school, was really a proud moment for me.”

If you want to get involved and assist the sector, or know someone who is interested, reach out to Bel isi PNG at info@belisipng.org.pg.

The Bel isi PNG initiative is an innovative public private civil society partnership. It is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co and Oil Search.

Residents of Port Moresby have taken to the streets to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

Now in its second year, Bel isi PNG’s Walk for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAW) saw thousands gather at Konedobu Oval at dawn, and from there marched to Harbourside Precinct.

In the lead-up to Mondays International EVAW Day, the march was led by Governor Powes Parkop and the Minister for Police, Bryan Kramer. Both called for the community to work together to ensure every single woman and girl lives a life free from violence.

In his speech, Governor Parkop said that it is his vision to make NCD safe for women and girls. He also emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure this happens.

“I want to see our city safe for everyone. Women and girls should be able to walk freely and live a life free from violence.”

Another key advocate against gender-based violence, Minister Kramer asked the crowd to think about the importance of our family homes being a place of comfort rather than a crime scene. “In that crime scene, small kids grow up, they grow up witnessing a crime being committed and as Papua New Guineans we should reflect on this. There is a lot we can do; the opportunity lies with us.”

Marcus Bai, not only a role model to his family but also to his many rugby league fans, he stood before the crowd and said “It’s never too late to say no to violence I am here today because I believe a family free from violence is the best outcome for men, women and our children. I am not here because I’m a sportsman. I’m here because I am a husband, parent, brother, cousin and uncle.”

Together with Oil Search Limited Managing Director, Peter Botten, Oil Search staff, Celestine Ove gave a moving speech of her own personal experiences which resonated with many women.

“I know the fear, loss of confidence and pain women and children experience from family violence,” she said. “I know how violence can prevent someone from reaching their full potential.”

“Silence allows violence to continue. You can take action by speaking about this issue with friends, family and your community. If we all come together, we will drive change for women and girls in our country.’

Many of the marchers were members of the organisations that make up Bel isi PNG – a public/private civil society partnership designed to address family and sexual violence.

“This time last year, Bel isi PNG had seven subscribers, now there are 13 and counting.” says Stephanie Copus-Campbell, Executive Director of Oil Search Foundation. The case management and safe house services are supporting more clients every month, and I’m pretty sure this walk will attract even more.

“Many people are saying ‘enough is enough’. And it’s not just women; it’s a lot of men too, and it’s wonderful to see so many children participate.”

Appropriately for a country where a vast majority of women will experience violence at some point in their lifetime, Friday’s EVAW march has kicked off a month of activities including the Governor’s Sunday Walk, a youth event on the streets of Port Moresby on Monday, and Redvember where NCDC is urging everyone to wear red to work on Fridays during November to say “Stop” to violence.

While the PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010 – 2030 expresses “zero tolerance (for) violence against women and children,” such violence “remains serious and pervasive” according to a 2017 Government report.

“Changing attitudes to family and sexual violence, as well as providing services to survivors is core behind the Bel isi PNG’s program,” adds Head of Gender and Leadership, Amanda Anderson. “The hope is that subscribers take the message back home to their families and communities and awareness raising is the first place to start. Many people don’t know that violence against women and girls is against the law or that there are services that can help those in need.

“So, taking that message and converting into action is not always something that’s going to happen overnight. But every journey begins with a single step.”

“Or, in this case, a march!”

PNG meets Dublin

PNG hit the world stage on Sunday 27 October with great enthusiasm and determination.

Wearing t-shirts saying, “Leave No one Behind,” on top of running shoes and track pants, four local development workers took part in the famous Dublin Marathon – and all 42km went according to plan.

“It was pretty exhilarating,” says Oil Search Foundation’s Stephanie Copus Campbell, who ran in lockstep with PNG’s own, Jacqui Joseph of Equal Playing Field the World Bank’s Patricia Veever-Carter, Oxfam PNG’s Charlotte Kakebeeke.

“None of us are exactly professional athletes, but we did our best to be great ambassadors for PNG, and the wonderful people who call this country home. And I can certainly report that there’s a lot of interest out there.

People were utterly fascinated by the fact that we have over 800 different languages not to mention literally thousands of unique plants and animals. It’s a beautiful place, quite unlike any other, and I believe that we
got that message across.”

Amongst 22,500 runners, and a crowd of at least twice amassed on the footpaths, the women weren’t just running to raise awareness of PNG, but in pursuit of funds.  

Thanks to sponsors like Oil Search and Curtin Brothers, and plenty of individual donations, services for PNG child survivors of violence now have an extra 250,000 kina to spend.

“I’ve chosen to run this marathon as part of a greater journey to address the level of violence that affects women and children in PNG,” said Joseph, who had never run anything close to 42km, but finished the race with a radiant smile.

First staged in 1980, Dublin is Europe’s fifth-largest marathon – and a magnet for runners of every stripe. While plenty of elite athletes compete, they are joined by thousands of ordinary people who just want to get to the finish line, even if it takes five or six hours.  

For Joseph, it’s an attitude that successful development workers need to adopt as well.

“So much of what we do is about persistence,” she says. “It’s about gritting your teeth and allowing your heart to carry you when your legs won’t anymore.”

“Working in the family violence space isn’t glamorous, and genuine change can take decades or more. It’s hard to get an instant ‘win’ – and, if you do, there won’t be medals and applause.”

“But I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. Or a country that I could be prouder to represent.”

Police training supported by Bel isi PNG.

Working with partners to address family and sexual violence is critical to helping survivors of family and sexual violence get the help they need. Bel isi PNG is proud to have been able to support the training of 127 police officers throughout the different divisions in the Royal PNG Constabulary to ensure police officers are fully equipped with the tools and knowledge to carry out their duties in enforcing the law. The NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Perou N’Dranou was delighted when his request for Bel isi PNG to support the workshops was accepted.

Regional training officer Senior Inspector Paul Kipak said the training was to improve the performance of officers in the city’s police stations as the daily management of personnel was an issue. He said more training needed to be done to avoid criticism and complaints from the public and even from the courts.

Superintendent, Perou N’Dranou, wanted the training to equip his supervisors and officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties more effectively.

The training supported included:

1. Court Files preparation (refresher)

2. Supervisors Roles (Refresher)

3. Use of Force Workshop

4. Police Station Commanders Workshop

One key finding was the challenge of police Family and Sexual Violence Units only operating during business hours.  This means that many officers who see cases at night and on the weekends are not properly trained to deal with the issues and lack knowledge of the referral pathways. The good news is as a result of Bel isi PNG’s support, more officers have this training and can refer clients to Bel isi PNG and other services for help.  

All 127 police officers received a certificate following their attendance at the workshop.

The Metropolitan Superintendent and his officers were very grateful for the support and look forward to strengthening the partnership with Bel isi PNG.

The Bel isi initiative is an innovative public private partnership between Papua New Guinean and international businesses, the National Capital District Commission and is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, Oil Search, Bank of South Pacific and Steamships Trading Co.

Leaders gathered for the 2019 Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum.

Two genuine Aussie heroes have thrown their weight behind Bel Isi PNG, Port Moresby’s ground-breaking public-private partnership, to tackle family and sexual violence (FSV).

Named the 2019 Australians of the Year following their role in rescuing 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in 2018, Dr Richard Harris and Dr Craig Challen took part in Bel Isi PNG’s second annual Leadership Forum held recently at the iconic APEC Haus.

In town thanks to Oil Search – an enthusiastic supporter of Bel is PNG– they were joined by many prominent figures from government, business, and civil society.

All guests heard National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop congratulate partners on a hugely successful first year which saw the establishment of a safe house funded by BSP and a case management centre supported by Steamships. Oil Search Foundation provides all project management, and the Australian Government (in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea through its Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program) provides core funding support. The local NGO, Femili PNG operates core services.

Bel isi PNG has already assisted over 200 FSV survivors, including children, to access services and has provided around 2000 people with information on where to find help through employee awareness sessions. The Governor said that while progress is very promising, challenges are daunting:

“Yes we have reduced FSV but ultimately we need to stop it,” he said. “We need to think about how we can change mindsets and behaviour, and in doing so, we need to think outside the box.”

The Governor’s words set the tone for the forum that followed – an interactive set of round-table discussions where participants shared ideas on how to protect and empower women. They put forward action plans on engaging men in preventing and addressing violence, leading change, overcoming the many constraints faced at work including every day sexism, developing corporate policies and advocating for change.

Oil Search Foundation’s Executive Director, Stephanie Copus-Campbell, described the discussions as extremely productive.

“It’s events like these that galvanize the private sector in partnership with government and civil society to drive change. As leaders and influencers within the community, we have a responsibility to raise awareness of the challenges and come up with practical solutions to address the problems.”

‘With the majority of women in Papua New Guinea having suffered from some form of physical or sexual violence, changing mindsets is a major priority – and we’re not going to do that without working in partnership,” Copus-Campbell said.

Partners established the leadership forum to bring together leading voices and perspectives on the many facets of FSV. These voices included Police Minister Bryan Kramer, who emphasised the need for effective, sensitive and well-trained police; ANZ Chair Winifred Kamit, who promoted the need for effective leadership as well as developing the capacity of local NGOs to respond; Minister-Counsellor & Consul-General for Australia, Jo Stevens, who expressed the need to prioritise working with local service providers which have family and sexual violence policies and procedures in place; and CEO of the Brian Bell Group, Cameron Mackellar, along with Bank of South Pacific’s Head of Support Services, Alicia Sahib, who both demonstrated how active leadership results in more employees seeking support and in return able to perform better at work.

Participants also heard from male champions of change including NCD Deputy Governor and Motu Koita Assembly Chairman Dadi Toka Jr, Digicel CEO Colin Stone and Ganjiki Wayne representing the Oil Search Board on the positive role men can play in combatting FSV. The group agreed there are many PNG men who are actively driving positive change and inspiring other men and boys on why respect for women is good for everyone.

The two Australians of the Year, also male champions for change, congratulated the countless every day heroes who devote their lives to a safer PNG. Both highlighted the essential role of leadership and partnership in addressing the challenges and maximising the opportunities for change.

A successful outcome of the forum saw new subscribers to Bel isi PNG and the City Pharmacy Limited sharing the captivating poem and message that was presented at the leader’s forum by a passionate young Papua New Guinean Women, Yvette Renagi. The poem raised awareness on the destruction of family relationships as a result of abusive behaviour and poor communication, it was shared nationwide through the two daily newspapers.

Lina is now safe, and starting over with her children

*Names have been changed to protect the identity and safety of the clients.

This is Lina’s story. She is a mother and wife who endured severe abuse from her husband, who is also the father of their children. She is a survivor. 

Since her marriage, Lina has experienced severe violence from her husband for over nine years. She constantly lived in fear with her children. Lina said that in order to avoid being beaten, she obeyed her husband and tried to do whatever he asked. She thought it was the only way. 

Before Lina got married, her husband had lied to her that he was getting a divorce and he was single. When Lina found out that he was lying, it was too late as she was already pregnant with her first child. After Lina had the child, her husband gave the baby to his first wife and restricted Lina from seeing her baby. She was constantly beaten, and restricted from socialising with others, including her family. Lina had escaped several times, but her husband always managed to find her. And when he did, he would beat her up again and bring her back to their home. Lina also tried to get help, but her husband was very influential, that all her efforts were in vain, leaving her feeling helpless. 

When Lina was pregnant with her second child, she was still continuously beaten. Her husband’s first wife had left him, so Lina’ was reunited with her first born child. She continued to fall pregnant and even after their fourth child, the beatings didn’t stop, the abuse just got worse. She was also continuously threatened. Lina shared that her husband had pushed a 9mm pistol into her mouth and said, ‘’I will kill you and say that you killed yourself.’’ 

The abuse Lina endured included physical assault, marital rape, stalking, threatening, emotional, psychological, and also financial abuse. Because Lina had tried to escape before, her husband didn’t give her extra money, but just enough to buy food for the family. Meanwhile, the perpetrator went around with other women.  

Lina recalls how her husband would force her to find another woman so that he could have sex with them both. Lina couldn’t bring herself to do that. So he forced  her and a young woman, who was his relative, to have sex with him. He would forcefully have sex with his relative, and force Lina to watch. And when they refused, he would beat them up. Lina was also made to remove her clothes and stand naked in front of her children, while he would tell them, ‘’Your mother is a slut, a pamuk.’’ 

Lina had ended up in the hospital so many times with bruises, and would get treatment, but never issued a medical report because of her husband’s influence. She was not only scared for her safety, but also the safety of her children who had witnessed the ongoing violence perpetrated by their father. She made up her mind that she had enough, and that her life, and the life of her children were more important. She knew that she would not get help in the province they were living in, because of her husband’s influence. She had to leave with her children. 

But leaving her husband wasn’t going to be easy. The only way was for Lina to make him believe that she would be an obedient wife, and would never leave him. While doing that, she was also giving some money to her aunty to save for tickets to travel. 

With enough money saved, Lina waited for an opportune time. At that time, her husband had trusted her enough to send her to do his flight bookings for his trip out of the province. That was her chance, the opportunity she had been waiting for. 

The next day after her husband left, Lina picked up her children from their school, packed a few clothes into a plastic bag, and took the next flight to Port Moresby. She had learnt that Femili PNG was operating the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre and safe house. She had called a Femili PNG staff in Lae when boarding the plane. When Lina and her children landed at Jackson’s airport, she had no place to go so she called another Femili PNG staff in Port Moresby, and was advised to go straight to the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre (operated by Femili PNG) with her children. From there, she and her children were assisted with safe accommodation. 

Lina was assisted to access other existing services such as the police, medical care, court and Welfare. The Court ruled in her favour, granting her a Permanent Protection Order after she had obtained an Interim Protection Order (IPO).

Also with the support from her family, Lina is now safe, and starting over with her children. She said, ‘’My biggest concern is my children. The ongoing problems affected their education. But now, as long as they are safe and happy, I am happy.’’ 

The Bel isi PNG Walk to end Family and Sexual Violence will be commemorated during the 20 Days of Activism on the International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls, celebrated annually on the 25thof November globally.

Bel isi PNG will be organising the 2nd EVAW Walk this year on the 23rd of November.

Save the date and come along to support a worthy cause.

Dear Husband, 

In the morning when you wake and the alcohol wears off, what do you see when you see my face? Do you see the mirror of black and blue, do you feel that too? When you see my lips swollen like I’d walked into your beehive of a fist and skin lashed and cut and oozing of blood, does your heart sink, even a little tiny part? What do you see when you look into our daughter’s eyes? Do you see fear? Resentment? Disappointment? Remorse? Hopelessness? Because she reeks of that when your eyes change colour, when you come home late, when the plates break. What do you see when you look at our sons? What do you want to make out of them? What kind of an example are we showing them? What kind of a platform are we giving them to build a life and to love and show affection? These are our humans, we made them out of love and as they stand before us, wide eyed and innocent, all we throw at them is selfishness, and mistrust and hate; all we show them is instability and unhealthy ways to solve problems. Why can’t we just talk and why can’t we just listen? Why can’t we lay down these arms and pause for second?  

Dear wife,

When the noise becomes silence, do you replay the things you have called me? Do you think about the way I feel when you take my ego and wipe on it your feet; when you lay out every single mistake you claim to forgive me for, all out there, a criteria they use to judge me? What do you see when you look into our daughter’s eyes? Do you see the way she looks at me? The one man who is her strongest supporter and protector, now zeroed down to nothing and she sees an empty shell. She sees me thru your eyes as incapable of being the one man she can count on, and my heart breaks. What do you see when you look into our sons’ eyes? They look at me with disappointment with the thought that I must be a horrible person to make their mama say these things. Why can’t we talk? Why can’t we be civil about this? I have no words, my darling, but I have to be silent about this. 

Dear mama,

As I cuddle my little sister and hush her fears, pretending to be strong, I only hope tonight he does not leave you with a flat-line. I squeeze my eyes shut and with sweaty palms together, I plead to a God I have only started learning about. I think I feel Him. I think He keeps you. I wish He’d keep away those hands, though; I wish He’d give me courage to stop this. 

Mama, I hear you cry. 

Mama, I see the changes. 

Mama I see you flinch. 

Mama I cry. 

I need you to know I am not breaking so you can take my strength and make it yours if yours seems to have gone away. 

Mama I am here. 

Dear Daddy, 

I have heard the things she says to you. I see your eyes turn red and I hear you over and over try to make your point without lifting a finger. And I have seen what it does. If it doesn’t make you violent, it makes you distant. It makes us distant. I see you work and I see you tirelessly love and I hope you know that I appreciate you. I hope you wake up today and you see the light. 

Daddy, don’t jump. 

Daddy put down the knife. 

Daddy, put away those funny looking pills and look at me- look! 

Daddy, don’t do this, I am here. 

I got you! 

Daddy… it does not have to be this way. 

And I toss and turn in the night trying to understand why in the place where love should thrive and laughter should make every blood cell bounce, I see it ooze out of cuts and clot in bruises. I try to understand why a man who claims to love me would still find some comfort in the clenching of his fist washing upon me like wave after wave with the only salt, in my sweat. I try to understand how I could claim to love him and still find a string of validation in the hurling of disrespect and ungrateful syllables instead of poetry and affection. I try to understand the every day of these innocent babies we are raising in households crawling with resentment, hate, pessimism, abuse, fear, darkness, anxiety, depression, rebellion and every other thing synonymous ‘what the hell is going on?!’

We are raising a whole generation in homes packed with a lot of noise that equals to silence. We are raising a whole generation in households strangling them with imagery and ideas of happiness equated to pain and abuse as if abuse must be present for one to be loved; as if fear is the foundation of love- where did we learn this? Where did we go wrong? I ask and I pause. And I realise that this is all choice. 

Choice. 

We choose to raise our voices and use them as weapons to beat down the ones we claim to love and then we raise our hands to enforce the power our voices and then we raise a knife, a gun, an actual weapon of some kind; hell we raise a fire when we feel like we should and we burn each other at the stake; at the hearing of a whisper in wind. 

One more mother silenced. 
Gravely harmed and graves marked.

One more father lost. 
We found his lifeless body hanging in the loft. 

One more sister lost at the hands of the love her life; she lost her life.

One more brother stabbed 
Fuelled by accusations and falsities. 

One more human life lost because we choose our egos over our love 
And we make excuses in violence when we could sit down and listen; one speaking, one quiet.

But there is hope. 
Hope in this generation fuelled by 
Love and kindness; 
Compassion and selflessness; 
Courage and confidence.  

So we watch 
And learn 
And grow
And hope to God that the next we hear letters in the voices close to us, 

They are of gratitude and happiness-  
Can’t we lay down these arms and pause for a second?