Frontline service providers in Papua New Guinea have undergone specialised training to address the growing use of digital technology in cases of domestic and gender-based violence. The training, held in Port Moresby earlier this month, focused on the emerging threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), which is becoming increasingly common as digital tools become more accessible across the country.
Delivered through the Papua New Guinea–Australia Partnership, the sessions were conducted by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner in collaboration with Voice for Change, a local women’s human rights organisation. Participants included social workers, health professionals, law enforcement officers, and legal advocates, all of whom play critical roles in supporting survivors of violence.
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence encompasses a range of behaviours, such as online harassment, digital stalking, coercive control through smartphones and messaging apps, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and impersonation on social media. These forms of abuse are often linked to existing patterns of physical and emotional violence, compounding the trauma experienced by survivors.
The training equipped participants with practical skills to recognise signs of digital abuse and respond appropriately, including understanding the legal context, applying survivor-centred approaches, and improving referral systems. It also aimed to build greater awareness of how online spaces are increasingly being used to extend control and intimidation beyond the physical realm.
Papua New Guinea continues to experience high rates of gender-based violence, and the misuse of technology has added complexity to the issue. Limited digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, has made it more difficult for victims to identify or report this form of abuse. In response, efforts are underway to strengthen the capacity of those working on the front lines to respond effectively.
The initiative is one of several supported by the PNG–Australia Partnership, which includes programming in justice reform, gender equality, and community safety. The inclusion of TFGBV in training programs reflects a growing recognition that technology is not a neutral tool but one that can be used to cause harm, especially to women and girls.
National support services such as the 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain continue to offer critical lifelines to those experiencing violence. The toll-free service (7150 8000) provides 24/7 counselling and support for individuals affected by gender-based and domestic violence.
Efforts to address technology-facilitated abuse are expected to continue, with calls for further investment in digital safety, legal protection, and public education to ensure that all forms of violence—whether physical or virtual—are prevented and addressed.
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