Police in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands have thanked Australia for funding a new family and sexual violence unit in the provincial capital, Mendi.
They say they will be better equipped to provide protection to victims of violence and to arrest perpetrators.
The building was handed over to the Governor, William Powi, who has urged all Southern Highlanders to look after their families and respect women, mothers and sisters.
He says without a strong family unit, development means nothing.
The provincial police commander, Chief Superintendent Sibron Papote supported this sentiment and says the Family Protection Act had now made family and sexual violence a specific crime.
The assistance from Australia also include a 4 wheel drive vehicle for police.
Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
