Officers from the National Community Policing Department of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today 25 November joined in a float parade from East to West Honiara in a program to mark the launch of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence in Solomon Islands and throughout the world.
The float parade visited areas described as hotspots including the Henderson Market, Lungga Market, KG VI market, Kobito Market, Old Police post at Borderline, Talise Bus stop and White River Market.
During the stop overs, the RSIPF team and other stakeholders discussed the Family Protection Act (FPA) and members of the public were given the opportunity to ask questions about the Act.
Director National Community Policing Superintendent Solomon Sisimia says, “The RSIPF has been implementing the Family Protection Act with other stakeholders since it came into effect in April 2016 through the issuing of Police Safety Notices, assisting victims to obtain Protection Orders and also investigate the breaches of safety Notice and Court Orders.”
Superintendent Sisimia adds: “We want to use this 16-day campaign to encourage women and girls as well as men who have been victims of gender based violence to come forward and file a report with their nearest police station.
Ten groups participated in the float parade including the Ministry of Women & Youth, Family Support Centre, UN Women in Solomon Islands, World Vision, Honiara City Council Youth, People with Disability Solomon islands, Solomon Islands Deaf Association, Christian Care Centre and the RSIPF.
The official launching of the program for the 16 days campaign in Honiara will be at the National Museum at 4pm today (25.11.2017) and candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of the people who passed away due to violence will be at 6pm at the National Museum.