Stakeholders in the Solomon Islands participated in a three-day workshop aimed at generating public information and education (IEC) materials that will help create awareness on the justice services available for survivors of family violence.
Held from 21 to 23 November, the event was facilitated by the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) with the support of the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and the Government of Australia.
The consultation built capacity of participants to develop information and education materials generally. In addition, the participants outlined a production plan for writing, designing, pre-testing, printing and distributing the materials developed on family violence. Participants discussed the issue/problem they wanted to advocate on; stated the actions they wanted to promote; identified target audience; and discussed advocacy strategies.
Participants included key government ministries, civil society groups and service providers for survivors of family violence.
Family violence affects women and children in all communities throughout the Solomon Islands. The Family Protection Act (FPA), which came into effect on 1 April 2016, enables women to access the protection and services they need to be safe within their communities. It defines and criminalises family violence, and prohibits physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse against family members.
IEC materials developed as a result of this consultation will ensure there is clear and simple information on family violence and the protection available to women and girls under the existing Family Protection Act.
At the outcome of the consultation, Nicol Cave, the Interim Director of SPC RRRT indicated that “making available education materials about the FPA is an important step to ensuring that all women and children are protected and can lead happy and healthy lives free from violence”.
Media Contact:
Onorina Saukelo, RRRT Communications Assistant, [email protected] or +679 330 5582
Useful link: SPC Regional Rights Resource Team: http://rrrt.spc.int