The Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence in collaboration with the Australia Papua New Guinea Law and Justice (APLJ) partnership have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) through judicial education and community engagement, following the recent awareness program held in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake, Judge of the Supreme and National Courts of PNG who facilitated the programme, described it as highly effective in deepening participants’ understanding of the legal protections available to survivors. “The program emphasized survivor-centred justice, highlighted the importance of timely intervention, and reinforced the judiciary’s role in ensuring survivors are not re-traumatized by the legal process,” Justice Dingake said.

Feedback from police officers, prosecutors, and judicial officers was overwhelmingly positive. Police officers valued practical guidance on handling complaints with sensitivity and preserving evidence. Prosecutors highlighted new strategies to strengthen cases, while judicial officers emphasized the importance of impartiality and trauma-informed approaches.

Justice Dingake noted that awareness programs like Hagen’s play a crucial role in bridging the gap between community realities and the formal justice system. “By educating judicial officers and law enforcement personnel, survivors encounter a justice system that is empathetic, accessible, and responsive,” he said.

Interactive discussions and case studies proved to be the most impactful elements of the program, allowing participants to reflect on real-life challenges such as cultural pressures and logistical barriers. These sessions encouraged open dialogue and practical problem-solving across the justice sector.

Looking ahead, Justice Dingake emphasized the importance of expanding outreach to other provinces, strengthening collaboration between justice sectors, engaging community leaders, and offering continuous education for judicial officers. “By embedding these lessons into ongoing judicial practice, the judiciary can demonstrate its commitment to protecting survivors, thereby strengthening public trust and encouraging more survivors to come forward,” he affirmed.

The Mt Hagen GBV awareness program marked a significant step forward in aligning the justice system with community needs. Through practical training, open dialogue, and survivor-centred approaches,

it laid the foundation for stronger trust between the judiciary and the public in addressing gender-based violence.