Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to prevent and provide timely response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV).

This commitment was made following Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy's visit the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre in Port Moresby on 21 October.

Minister Conroy met with frontline staff to familiarize himself on how the center manages confidential case and connects survivors with counselling, health care, police, legal assistance, safe accommodation and other services. The visit also highlighted the importance of cooperation between government, civil society, service providers, and the private sector.

The minister recognised and commended case workers and partner organisations for helping survivors make informed decisions about their safety and recovery. He also noted the profound effect that GBV and SARV can have on individuals, families, and the communities.

“Gender-Based Violence and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence cause profound harm to individuals, families, and communities. Australia is committed to working alongside Papua New Guinea to prevent violence, strengthen survivor-centred services and support PNG-led solutions,” Minister Conroy said.

Australia provides its support through technical assistance through PNG Women Lead, including safe-house service standards, public financial management, sustainable financing and professional learning on survivor-centred services and coordination. This includes the pilot of the Safe Futures Fund, a government-led crisis response and resilience fund for gender-based violence, and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence.

Bel isi PNG is a PNG public-private-civil society partnership that works with businesses, government and service providers to prevent and respond to family and sexual violence.