BY JOY OFASIA
Geographical isolation is making it difficult for survivors of gender-based violence in Temotu Province to access help and support services, according to Premier Stanley Tehiahua.
Speaking during a press conference at the Family Support Centre national gender-based violence (GBV) sensitization training in Honiara last week, Temotu Premier, Stanley Tehiahua said many communities in the province remain far from essential services such as counselling, police assistance, and legal protection.
“Islands are scattered and isolated from each other. The demand of domestic violence awareness needs to be reached out to the people in Temotu Province,” he said.
He noted that limited resources and distance between islands continue to block survivors from getting timely help when they need it most.
Premier Tahiau said that about 80 percent of the population still needs to be reached with GBV awareness information. He stressed the importance of expanding education and awareness programs into rural and remote communities.
“There is a need to strengthen awareness and education programs in rural communities so that people understand the harmful impact of violence and the rights of survivors,” he said.
He also called for stronger coordination between government agencies and key partners, including churches, police, health services, schools, women’s and youth groups, and community leaders.
According to him, a united approach is needed to respond more effectively to GBV cases across the province.
Premier Tahiau further highlighted the need to improve referral systems and access to support services, especially for survivors living in isolated areas.
“There is a need to improve access to support services and referral systems for survivors especially those living in remote and isolated communities. We need to strengthen community reporting mechanisms and encourage survivors to safely report cases without fear,” he said.
He also revealed that Temotu Province is developing a new policy to address these challenges.
“One of the policies currently among the first policies for my province is the ‘Temotu Province Gender Equity Development Social Inclusive Policy’, this is to safeguard and address the issue,” he said. Premier Tahiau said he looks forward to working closely with the national government, development partners, and local communities to improve GBV awareness and support systems in Temotu Province.
