STAFF TRAIN TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF FAMILY AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AT WORKPLACE

October 20, 2022

Fifteen Air Niugini staff have completed training last week on how to support victims of family and sexual violence (FSV) within the workplace.

The two-day training conducted by Business Coalition for Women as part of the Bel Isi Program, focused on raising awareness of the issue and equipping volunteers with the knowledge on providing support and protecting those who may be faced with family and sexual violence.

Some areas covered include counselling, legal, welfare, Interim Protection Order(IPO), hospital and accommodation among others.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Alabaster said such a training is important as it ensures airline staff who may be faced with violence and suffering can get the support they require through a well-co-ordinated programme of support.

He said ?Air Niugini does not condone any form of violence especially family and sexual violence and we are committed to this training and the partnership with Bel Isi PNG to ensure our staff are protected from violence. With female staff making up nearly 60% of our staff numbers this support becomes even more critical. ?

?I commend the 15 staff, mostly volunteers who have put their hands up to play this important role, all towards standing up against violence in any form in the workplace.?

About the Program:

Continuous family and sexual violence can have long and short-term impact on a staff members mental and physical health which can in turn affect their performance at work, resulting in lost productivity, increased staff turnover and absenteeism. In the long run, it may result in significant economic and social costs not only for employees and employers but also the wider community.

Bel isi PNG is a public, private, civil society partnership that provides access to case management and safe house services for survivors of family and sexual violence (FSV). Along with that it provides business leaders with transformational tools to support change in the workplace and community, this includes awareness training for all staff and support with FSV policy development and implementation.

The work of Bel isi PNG is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, Business Coalition for Women, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co, G4S and Oil Search.

If you are subject to abuse or violence or know someone who is; seek support through the Bel isi PNG Case Management Centre. Call the emergency contact numbers on, Bel isi PNG Case Management: 79169063, St John Ambulance 111, Counselling: 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim, 7am-7pm, 7150-8000, Police: 24hr Toll Free Hot Line 1800-100, Transport: G4S Meri Seif Line 7222-1234, COVID-19 Toll Free Help Line 1800200, or you can visit www.belisipng.org.pg or email info@belisipng.org.pg

Corporate Communications Department

Wednesday 20th October, 2022