RSIPF and other stakeholders continue with awareness on domestic violence

Officers of the National Community Policing Department in the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) and other stakeholders including the Family Support Centre are continuing their awareness at markets and other venues in Honiara as part of the 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women and girls.

At an awareness held at the White River Market in West Honiara on 4 December 2018, a drama group from the Family Support Centre put on a skit showing one of the types of domestic abuse which is psychological abuse.

“Psychological abuse is when the husband argues with the wife about what she cannot do and restricts her movements. A lot of people do not see this as domestic abuse but it is one of the categories of domestic or family abuse,” says Family Violence Coordinator in the RSIPF National Community Policing Department, Sergeant Mary Maneforu.

Sergeant Maneforu explains: “The other forms of family violence include sexual, physical and economic abuse. The perpetrator does not have to physically hurt the victim for it to be considered as domestic violence. Economic abuse is when the husband spends his salary on other things including alcohol and extramarital affairs instead of using the money to look after his family. This is considered as abuse.”

During the awareness at the White River Market, Sergeant Maneforu also rejected the thinking that the Family Violence Act gives more freedom to women which is not accepted by men.

“This is not true. The Family Violence Act protects women and children against all these abuses. Husbands should sit down together with their wives and discuss how both can work together and bring up their children,” says Sergeant Maneforu.

She emphasises:

“Domestic violence is a crime. And it’s everyone’s business to stop it from happening in our communities.

Abuse is not only physical but can be economical, psychological and sexual.

Officers of the RSIPF Community Policing Department together with other stakeholders will continue with their awareness at various communities in and around Honiara until the end of the 16 Days activism to end violence against women and girls on 10 December 2018.