Resistance and Persistence

Despite the successful passing of the Family Protection Act in 2013, men’s violence against women continues to threaten women’s security in Papua New Guinea. Although criminalised, perpetrators of domestic violence are not being convicted equal to the level at which violence is occurring. The World Report 2015 identifies a lack of access to courts and police, minimal resources and the Government’s tenuous commitment to the full enforcement of the Family Protection Act as the main contributors to the persistence of violence against women in Papua New Guinea.

IWDA’s Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program continues to support local civil society organisations to improve services and provide leading responses to violence against women. While response is just as critical as prevention, IWDA is working with program partners to advocate for greater adherence to protective measures.