Photos courtesy of PNG Special Parliamentary Committee on Gender Based Violence Facebook page.

On the 24th of May, a special Parliamentary Committee on Gender Based Violence (GBV) held an Enquiry to assess the situation of GBV service provision in Papua New Guinea.

Supported by both the United Nations and European Union, the National GBV Parliamentary Committee was made up of Milne Bay Governor, Charles Able; East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird; National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop; and Deputy Opposition Leader, Dr Allan Marat.  

Bel isi PNG was invited by the Committee to share what was being done to address family and sexual violence in the private sector. The Bel isi PNG Program Manager, Ms Danielle Winfrey, provided the Committee with a summary on the work being done under Bel isi PNG. The challenges faced in the referral of cases within a resource-challenged setting was also addressed.

The increasing cases of child abuse was also raised as a serious concern and for relevant government agencies to be held accountable. The Program Manager highlighted the disconnect between the Family Protection Act and Lukautim Pikinini Act which created loopholes in accessing justice and protection for survivors. Service providers both in government and the non-government sectors provided information on challenges and what could be done to address those challenges.

The Committee made a request to the Minister of Treasury, Hon. Ian Ling Stuckey, to allocate K10million to support the implementation of the National Gender Based Violence Strategy to address gender-based violence/family sexual violence.

A report from the Enquiry was presented at the parliament sitting on the 12th of August 2021 to raise the issue of gender-based violence and lobby support for more funding in the sector.

In the first half of 2021, the Bel isi Case Management Centre (CMC) continued to provide case management services in partnership with core service providers such as the police, Welfare, Public Solicitor’s Office, courts, and other safe houses within the referral pathway. Key achievements have included the Bel isi PNG CMC support to 173 clients, of which 169 were new clients and 4 were re-opened cases - an average of 29 clients per month. Cumulative total of clients assisted by Bel isi PNG from October 2018 to end of June 2021 is 1,004 with most referrals from the police.

From January to June 2021, 65 applications for Interim Protection Orders (IPOs) were lodged, 45 were granted and issued, 23 orders were served to perpetrators, and 26 IPOs were converted to Protection Orders (PO). This is a result of 1,783 Case Worker consultations.

Bel isi PNG has 15 current subscribers who have all committed to addressing family and sexual violence in their organisation and supporting their staff to access safe and quality case management and safe house services. The strong leadership and dedication towards helping staff in these companies and organisations have enabled their staff to reach out for help and provide a supportive work environment for them.

The Bel isi 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, Oil Search, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co. Femili PNG and the Business Coalition for Women.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) recently released an evaluation report on the benefits to business on the Bel isi PNG initiative on the 29th of July 2021. The research was funded by the Australian Government and is the baseline for this work in Papua New Guinea. The report, Workplace responses to Family and Sexual Violence in PNG: Measuring the Business Case can be found at the following IFC link.

https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/04d3b3d0-3d05-45ba-a042-3f626a3a197e/PNG-FSV-Report_FINAL.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=nHL.E5K

The survey was conducted in 2020 with three Bel isi PNG subscribers to measure the cost effectiveness of having a workplace response to family and sexual violence, along with having access to the Bel isi PNG Case Management and Safe House services offered under the subscription.

The research has some important findings for Bel isi PNG subscribers and other organisations in Papua New Guinea. Notably, the research found a correlation between the gender balance of the workforce, the level of support that companies provide to respond to family and sexual violence, and positive outcomes. This includes less acceptance of family and sexual violence, higher reporting of family and sexual violence, fewer days lost to the impacts of family and sexual violence, and more helpful responses.

Over 1,400 participants from the three companies took part in the survey.

The following excerpt (taken directly from the report, page 47) provides important insights to the challenges facing women in the workforce and to companies which want to address FSV and to support their employees who are dealing with violence in their lives.

“Just over 40 percent of people who participated in the survey for this research have directly experienced family and sexual violence. Although more women than men have experienced it, the problem affects all genders and at all levels of seniority within the participating companies. Most participants with no direct experience of violence have family or friends affected by it. A workplace response to family and sexual violence which could incorporate Bel isi PNG is much needed”. (pg. 47)

Nearly half of all participants (47 percent) said their work is affected because of family and sexual violence. The survey and interviews were carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicate that the stresses caused by the crisis may have worsened family and sexual violence.

At least 16 percent of survey participants affected by family and sexual violence said they sometimes feel unsafe at work.

Over the next 18 months the IFC and BCFW will be undertaking further work to help evaluate the impact of Bel isi PNG and the benefits to businesses of supporting such initiatives. 

The survey showed what these companies are doing well and highlight what could be strengthened.

We acknowledge the commitment of all subscribers in having a workplace response to family and sexual violence through your subscription to Bel isi PNG. 

Robin Fleming, Co-Chair Bel isi PNG Steering Committee, BSP CEO

As we come to the end of a challenging year, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our valued partners, subscribers, clients and the public for your support and engagement through 2020. It has been quite a challenging year, but we have all managed to pull through together with your support.

The journey behind Bel isi PNG took about 5 years before it was launched in September 2018 with the coming together of partners Steamships, Oil Search, G4S, NCDC, the Business Coalition for Women, Femili PNG, the Australian Government and BSP.

With the support of our partners and subscribers Bel isi has given protection to the many survivors of abuse as well as empowering over 2,000 employees from subscribing companies with the knowledge and tools about their rights, the laws in place to protect them, how to recognise abuse and where to go to get help. We now have 14 companies/organisations who are current subscribers.

Bel isi has just completed two years of operations and as of October 2020, registered 720 survivors of abuse who needed our intervention. We are the only Case Management Centre operating in Port Moresby and have the most secure safe house for our clients. We work closely with the police, courts and other safe houses to ensure our clients’ cases get attended to quickly.

We recognise the difficult financial circumstances many businesses are experiencing and are grateful for their commitment to Bel isi PNG and the many survivors of abuse who need our help.

Thank you once again for your support and I wish you all a merry Christmas and prosperous 2021.

Bel isi PNG

Bel isi PNG wishes to inform subscribers and the public that our Case Management Centre will be open through the festive period except for the public holidays on the 24th and 25th of December and 1st of January.

For high risk FSV cases, the Bel isi PNG Safe House will remain on call throughout the festive period.

Please call the Bel isi PNG number on 70554401 should you have any queries.

Police FSVU officers after receiving their certificates from a five-day workshop.

Twenty one newly appointed Family and Sexual Violence police officers from the Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) recently attended a five- day workshop in Port Moresby. The aim was to enhance their understanding on the importance of the FSV unit and what their role requires of them to do.

Director of FSV unit Superintendent Delilah Sandeka said, “It is a sensitive area of work and so it is important for police officers to understand what their roles and responsibilities are, and how they can effectively help victims access services.”

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent adds, “Police officers at the FSV unit must be able to use whatever resources available and best policing practice to help victims. I urge all you officers treat victims right, provide the help they need because it is your job to do.”

He further adds, the fight against violence should be a collective effort. He urged stakeholders to work in partnership with the police and the government in order to address issuing related to gender-based violence.

Danelle Winfrey, Bel Isi Program Manager said, ““Bel isi PNG values our partnership with the RPNGC. We acknowledge we cannot do our job to protect survivors of violence without the support of the police. We will continue to strengthen this partnership and collaboration”

This workshop was made possible with the support of Bel isi PNG and its partners including the Australian Federal Police.

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!”