Papua New Guinea is a lush, diverse Pacific nation of over seven million people. It is home to beautiful tropical rainforests of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Behind this lush backdrop is a very dark secret: the island is a hotbed for abuse and sexual violence against women and children.
According to The Huffington Post, two-thirds of Papua New Guinean women have experienced so much physical assault from their partners and that in a study done in a specific region, one in five women experienced their first sexual encounters through rape. A report from Doctors Without Borders displayed that from over 3,000 cases of family or sexual violence, half of the survivors were children. The Guardian also states that some reports have revealed that 60% of men in Papua New Guinea have participated in a gang rape, and in some remote provinces, the rate of violence against females is at an alarming 100%. There are a number of factors that contribute to this degree of abuse. Papua New Guinea has an inexcusably weak justice system, with much of the police ignoring this issue by regarding it as a family problem. Though a culturally diverse nation that has started to economically expand and open up to the world, archaic cultural traditions that contribute to the belief that women are inferior to their male counterparts are still common. According to the Human Rights Watch, polygamy, the practice of bride price, and attacking women accused of "sorcery" are still practiced in parts of the country. Bride price can be compared to a dowry, except that the groom pays in this situation. If a woman wants to divorce her husband, she must reimburse him for the amount he paid for the bride price. With two-thirds of the population living below the poverty line, victims' families unfortunately do not have the opportunity to complete this task, leaving many trapped in abusive marriages. Many areas of Papua New Guinea are remote and medical services are limited, so victims of domestic abuse must trek for days at a time to reach adequate care. Many have suffered have scars from being hacked with knives, teeth knocked out, dismemberment of the limbs, and much more. According to The Huffington Post, one case of violence was so sickening that the elders paid for a woman's bride price. This 26 year-old pregnant mother of two refused to have sexual intercourse with her husband. The man proceeded to hack off his wife's fingers, and fractured all of her limbs. The government of Papua New Guinea has tried to implement some reform to attempt to alleviate the suffering. In 2013, Family Protection Act criminalized domestic abuse with up to two years in prison and a hefty fine. Despite this, the Human Rights Watch notes that police forces and the courts in the country must be reformed by learning to effectively deal with family violence. The government must change its role from bystanders to mediators and prosecute perpetrators of abuse. Furthermore, victims of violence should have a safety net or mechanism to feel safe reporting these crimes. Papua New Guinea is showing signs of robust economic growth. As the country begins to prosper, the government should begin to invest in its infrastructure, making hospitals more accessible to victims in remote areas and Highland regions. The government must put an end to brutal practices in isolated regions, such as the assault of women accused of "sorcery” when an unfortunate event has occurred, such as a child dying. Port Moresby, the capital, are among the most dangerous areas of the country. According to the United States Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Papua New Guinea's crime rate is ranked as one of the highest internationally. The police force numbers around 4,500, which is not nearly enough for the population of over seven million people. Therefore, not as much attention is paid to domestic abuse but rather to armed robberies, murder, and gang activity. As the nation continues to economically prosper, the government must tackle the severe understaffing of the justice system. This violence towards women helps breeds a cycle for future generations that it is acceptable in a society to commit acts of viciousness for no reason. It is my hope that in the future, innocent women and children will be able to feel safe in their own homes or when simply walking down the street. The government and the people of Papua New Guinea need to take action. Feminism is a significant topic of discussion in international media and in politics, but it is in the best interest of the victims of abuse in Papua New Guinea that more international attention is paid to their plight.
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