THE Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC) has organized a very successful awareness program on Gender Violence for Guadalcanal Beach Resort Henderson (GBR) Community, east Honiara on Sunday night. (28th/ 08/ 2016).
More than a hundred children, youths, men and women came to listen to the awareness talk from Sergent Nester Qoloni and Sergent Timotius Tovosia from the Henderson Police Station; Mrs. Linfer Wini Maltungtung, Co-ordinator Family Support Centre; Mrs. Anika Kingmele, Child Protection Officer of UNICEF supported by her husband Rodney Kingmele (both Lawyer by profession); and Reverend George Elo Mission Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
The presenters explained important aspects of the Family Protection Act and how it can affect families, and other proposed bills relating to the welfare of families affected by violence.
“I am pleased that the Anglican Church of Melanesia through the Sisters of the Church and her key stake holders has taken bold step bringing together children, youths, men and women in such a very important program to our community, Chief Reginald Seka said in his opening remarks.
“This is the first awareness talk in our area and we are looking forward to more in the future”, Chief Reginald said.
Sergeant Tovosia in his brief remarks urged GBR Henderson community to work with the police to educe and eliminate Domestic Violence in the area.
“Police cannot tackle Domestic Violence alone, we need to work together to ensure our homes are safe for children and women” Sergeant Tovosia said.
Sergeant Nester Qoloni also highlighted the need for parents to start disciplining children at homes if we want change in our society.
Fr. George Elo who spoke from a religious perspective said, Domestic Violence is sin and is not accepted. Therefore we must all work together to stop this in our homes and communities.
The program also allows community members asking questions and entertainments presented by children and youths in the community. It was a very useful program for members of the community as they at least have some ideas of why violence is never right and no one has any right to cause violence to another person. And if violence does occur, where they can seek help and protection and redress under the law.
Also witnessing the Program is Dr. Abraham Hauriasi, General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, other church leaders, and church members of the GBR community.