22 Nov 2007

PNG's only female MP sees changes in attitudes towards violence against women

11:41 am on 22 November 2007

Papua New Guinea's only female MP says a campaign and petition to end violence against women in the country has brought it into the public arena, and that's seen victims of abuse come forward to discuss it.

Domestic violence and rape have been in the spotlight after a daily newspaper launched a public campaign to fight it, and after the issue was petitioned against and debated in parliament.

Dame Carol Kidu says there has been a turn around in attitude.

"We are seeing a process of change. One thing is that we are hearing a lot more about violence, because the issue has been raised in a public debate. It may not necessarily reflect an enormous increase in violence, although I do believe there is an increase. It also reflects that this is not acceptable that this is not acceptable and there is more reporting."

Dame Carol Kidu says the campaign is a step towards ending the violence.