A new guide designed to help organisations across Papua New Guinea communicate more effectively about the prevention of gender-based violence has been reviewed and validated by civil society representatives and the country's National GBV Secretariat, with support from Australia.
The GBV Prevention Messaging Guide is intended to give organisations a practical resource for discussing prevention in ways that are accurate, locally grounded, survivor-centred and rights-based, according to the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, which backed the initiative.
Representatives from civil society groups joined the National GBV Secretariat in recent sessions to review and refine the guide before it is finalised. Once complete, it is expected to support conversations across communities throughout the country that promote equality, respectful relationships, safety and non-violence.
The initiative forms part of a broader partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea aimed at advancing what officials describe as a future built on equality, respect and safety for all Papua New Guineans.
Gender-based violence remains a significant concern in PNG, and prevention messaging has increasingly been identified by civil society and government bodies as a key tool in shifting community attitudes and behaviours over the longer term.
If this topic raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available through PNG's Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee helpline and local support services.