BY MAINE LIVETT
Isles Media Freelance Reporter in Gizo
MATURED people between the ages of 40 and 70 have less or no respect for women and girls, according to Public Solicitors Office (PSO) in western Province.
The PSO was represented by Family lawyer, Andrew Bosa based in Gizo, during a parade and Vigil against Rape and Sexual Violence in commemoration of 8-year-old Mary Savita Aram, (late) on Monday in Gizo.
The event is also a continuous activism by stake holders and public against sexual and gender-based violence advocating 16 days of activism.
Bosa stated the data information extracted from Justice Information System shows that, “People who committed offence are mostly mature people or adults as far as 40 to 70 years old, shows they never respect children.” Bosa said.
He stated a total of 98 sexual related offence cases were recorded and that data indicates an increase. The lawyer reported, “the lowest or youngest recorded age of sexual abuse to child is two months old, and from the biological father.”
“It is evident that two out of three women in Solomon Islands have experience physical or sexual violence at the hand of a partner. One out of two women have been sexually abused before the age of 15.” He added.
“Amidst our current political turmoil, I want to assure you that the PSO Family unit will continue to execute its mandate and also working closely with other stakeholders as well.”
“We always strive that we have good family, that can lead to good community, good constituency, good province, good country, a better world where we all called home.” He said.
“The enactment of Family Protection Act 2014 help to provide for the protection of families from domestic violence and to promote the safety, health and well-being of victims of domestic violence.
“The act creates three new legal instruments, which are Police safety notice, Interim protection order and Final protection order.
“Police, lawyers, courts, medical providers and community workers all have an obligation to assist victims of domestic violence.
“Men, Women and Children are protected under the Act.”
PSO is a member of SAFENET. Others includes MHMS, RSIPF,FSC, CCC and MWYCFA, providing direct services and referral services to victims of Sexual and Domestic violence.
