Emily* had been subject to ongoing intimate partner violence and sexual violence from her husband since the start of their marriage. All of her children showed physical signs of malnutrition and one was hospitalised.
Femili PNG arranged safe house accommodation for Emily and her children, where they stayed for seven weeks while waiting for the outcome of legal proceedings. Femili PNG also supported Emily as she reported her case to the police. Her husband was arrested and charged, and the court ordered his employer to directly pay PGK 400.00 every fortnight into Emily’s bank account.
Femili PNG worked closely with the Child Protection Officer of the Welfare Department based in Port Moresby to find another home for Emily and her children. Emily’s family lived in Port Moresby and she opted to be repatriated back there, so Femili PNG worked with partner organisations trace her family and discuss her return.
The Child Protection Officer conducted further family assessment work in Port Moresby prior to the repatriation occurring, collected the Emily and children at Jackson airport and initiated re-integration with the family. Goods were purchased to assist Emily to start a small business in Port Moresby. Emily and her children are now safe and living with her family in Port Moresby.
Femili 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.
If you are a survivor of family or sexual violence in PNG and require assistance, contact us.
If you’d like to support the work of Femili PNG, you can donate here. If you are interested in fundraising or volunteering with us, contact [email protected]
* Not her real name
