Strengthening justice services for survivors of family and sexual violence

The challenge

Family and sexual violence (FSV) is one of Papua New Guinea’s most persistent challenges with its ongoing prevalence acting as a brake on the country’s overall development. The Justice Services and Stability for Development Program (JSS4D) recognised that stronger justice responses are essential to tackling this issue. Between 2016 and 2021, JSS4D invested in initiatives to improve legal protection and support services for women and other vulnerable groups. We were asked to explore how these efforts had contributed to change on the ground. Our task was to document JSS4D’s contributions, take a closer look at selected activities, evaluate current approaches and practices, and draw out lessons to help strengthen the program’s future support to survivors and the justice system.

Our approach

Making sense of how justice services respond to family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea required strong foundational knowledge and deep listening to various justice actors. We began with a desk review of program documents, past research, and sector statistics to ground ourselves in the existing evidence. From there, we set out to collect new insights through both qualitative and quantitative data. 

Our team worked across the length and breadth of PNG. In Port Moresby, we spoke with national-level JSS4D stakeholders, and in the provinces we carried out 93 interviews with law and justice agencies and community organisations on the front line across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Morobe, Southern Highlands, Hela and Western Province. We partnered with our long-term colleagues at Asples Pacific Research, whose local researchers conducted the interviews in Tok Pisin.

To complement these interviews, we also ran a short quantitative survey in the same provinces. This captured perceptions of how responses to FSV and support for survivors had changed over time, and the contribution JSS4D had made along the way.

Outcome

Working on such a sensitive issue meant we took great care at every stage of the project. Our long-standing experience in PNG, and the strong partnership we’ve built with Asples Pacific Research  ensured that interviews and surveys were carried out in ways that were culturally respectful and mindful of the topic’s sensitivities. This trusted relationship also gave us the flexibility to adapt quickly when challenges arose in the field.

Through our analysis, we were able to highlight what was working well, where gaps remained, and how JSS4D’s support could be strengthened. We delivered clear, actionable recommendations and considerations for future activities to JSS4D and Australian Government representatives—insights that will help shape ongoing efforts to improve justice responses to family and sexual violence in PNG.