Closing of PICP GENDER FAMILY HARM REGIONAL WORKSHOP
“As guardians of the law and protectors of our communities, you have a profound responsibility to take ownership of the pervasive human rights violation that Gender Based Violence is”.
Remarks by Pacific-Community-SPC Strategic Lead Pacific Women Lead Ms Mereseini Rakuita whilst officially closing the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police regional Gender Family Harm Strategic Direction Workshop at the Tanoa Hotel in Nadi attended by 16 law enforcement officers from PICP member countries.
The purpose of the regional workshop was to bring together all GFH Programme Managers and leads from across PICP member countries to map a way forward in the implementation of the PICP GFH Programme.
While commending the draft outcomes of having a stronger focus on ending violence against women and girls and improve Policing services to support survivors of gender-based violence in their respective countries, Ms Rakuita said the work of addressing GBV requires ongoing commitment.
“Taking ownership means, first and foremost, a recognition by you, that GBV even when committed within the context of an intimate relationship is a crime and not a private matter”.
“Pacific people need you all to step up and ensure that you are able to provide effective support for survivors. Your police stations need to be a safe space for survivors. That can only happen when you have compassionate police officers who are trained to recognise the nature of GBV”.
Niue Police Department - Faahi Gahua Leoleo ha Niue Chief of Police and Executive lead of the PICP Family Harm Programme said the Pacific Chiefs of Police have identified Gender Family Harm as one of the key priorities, and the onus is on the participants as GFH Programme Managers and leads to ensure continuity of the activities identified to assist the implementation of the GFH Strategic Direction.
“Keep the fire burning, because a lot of people in your communities and countries need you to be vigilant. We know that there are many factors that lead to violence, We also know that if interventions are identified and applied prior to a violence occurring, some violent events can be prevented”.
Chief Tim Wilson also reiterated the importance of partnerships and assured the GFH Managers of the executive support.
“Unfortunately police are usually introduced at a point in the cycle of violence where the assault has already occurred, that is why we need to work with non-law enforcement partners if we are to have an impact. While police have worked diligently to address the harms posed by domestic violence and gender based violence, our impact on prevention has negligible. We have modified our structure to provide more assistance and guidance from the PICP Executive leaders team”.
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