Assess and Prevent

The lack of current data and reliable research assessing the occurrence of violence against women in the Pacific reduces the capacity of legislators to effectively address the issue. Without an understanding of what constitutes violence against women and why violence occurs, it is difficult to establish preventative and protective measures that are operational and sustainable.

“Facing the issue and ending the silence” through “the adequate collection and analysis of prevalence data” is outlined as the first priority in the Forum’s outcome statement.

IWDA continues to work with Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program partners to lead responses to violence against women in Papua New Guinea as well as undertaking research on the status of women in the Pacific to understand the attitudes that inform violence against women.