The COVID-19 crisis has prompted an urgent expansion of ChildFund Papua New Guinea’s 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain (715-08000), a tele-counselling service providing support to people experiencing sexual and gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Established five years ago in response to PNG’s endemic levels of family violence, the national freephone helpline offers callers help on issues ranging from crisis counselling and safety planning to suicide intervention and referral to support services.
In 2019, Helpline staff responded to more than 23,000 calls.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, additional counsellors and information officers have been recruited and trained, allowing the service to operate across two shifts, with plans to expand the hours until later at night.
This will ensure the helpline has the capacity to respond to a rise in GBV incidents, spurred by lockdown measures and increased economic uncertainty within families.
Margaret Sheehan, CEO of ChildFund Australia, says: “The expanded Helpline services will give it a broader role and wider reach: not only will it be providing counselling for those experiencing domestic violence, but also vital health advice around COVID-19 and referring callers to national health services where necessary.”
The helpline now offers additional support to children and adolescents experiencing prolonged distress, in recognition of the secondary impacts that the pandemic may have on their psychological wellbeing.
Margaret Sheehan adds: “Communities in PNG already experience high rates of family violence, and the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate these tensions.
“The psychological stress on families is enormous, with many parents losing work and facing an uncertain future. Sadly, this may result in more children both experiencing or witnessing abuse in their homes.”
The Helpline service is being promoted nationally in PNG using SMS blasts and radio announcements to ensure that people can seek help.
Bridgette Thorold, country director of ChildFund PNG says: “ChildFund and FSVAC are committed to driving change and will continue to implement programs and services which address the causes of violence; build the capacity of our legal system and strengthen the services available to survivors.
“We all have a part to play in building a safer community for the women and children of Papua New Guinea, and in upholding their right to live free from all forms of violence.”
For anyone experiencing or witnessing family violence, the 1 Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain offers immediate tele-counselling and referral services across the country. Call freephone 7150-8000.
The 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain is a partnership between ChildFund and CIMC (FSVAC) and is supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme. The expansion of services in 2020 has been made possible thanks to UNICEF and UN Women.
Trang is a teenage rugby player from Hoa Binh, Vietnam. She has been playing the game for over two years now and anyone meeting her for the first time is impressed by her liveliness.
But what impresses people even more is what this 13-year-old girl has accomplished at her young age.
Understanding equality
“I love being part of ChildFund Pass It Back because I can make many new friends! I also learnt more about gender and why we should treat girls and boys equally,” says Trang.
“In the past, I often cried to myself because my parents seemed to prefer my younger brother. Though my brother was stubborn and naughty, they were more on his side many times. I found it unfair, however, I didn’t say that to them.
“After I learned about the rights of children and gender equality from the Understanding Gender Module, I understood that people should not be discriminated against just because of their gender. Boys are no better than girls, we are both human. Boys or girls, we are both our parents’ children and we should be treated equally.
“One day, I tried to talk to my parents about how I felt and that sons and daughters should be equally loved and cared for by their parents. My mother did not say anything, but afterwards she has lessened her favour toward my brother.
“At times, when my brother and I had conflicts, my mother would try to solve it, she also asked my brother to behave, instead of making me be the one to have to apologise to my brother and make peace with him like before. I was happy that I had finally plucked my courage up to speak up.”
Finding her voice
Coach Dung, who coaches Trang’s team, says: “It is important to equip children with knowledge about gender equality. I believe that when children know their rights, they will confidently speak their mind and raise their voice.
“As Trang’s coach, I am proud that ChildFund Pass It Back’s Understanding Gender curriculum has helped her gain confidence to stand up for her rights.”
Trang’s mother says: “Each time when she returns from training, Trang tells us a lot of things. She is excited about going to the pitch, and always does her house chores in advance in exchange for our permission to go.
“In the past, she used to be a short-tempered child. If something upset her, she would get sulky and give us the silent treatment. Now she talks to us about these things and points out what troubles her and what makes her unhappy – she has stopped sulking.
“Witnessing her changes and her fondness for the sport, we are very happy and totally support her joining ChildFund Pass It Back.”
A young role model
Trang is now the captain of her team, and is looked up to by her teammates.
“Trang is a good player yet she doesn’t look down on or judge those who are not yet good at playing. Instead, she always encourages us to learn from each other to be better.
“She is also a good team captain. She often supports other players in the team who might be stuck with some rugby techniques. And, she also reminds us not to be defensive when someone gives us feedback to help us improve.”
She’s also well-liked by her peers at school. Trang’s classmates add: “In our class, Trang regularly helps other friends with the lessons. If we have something that we don’t understand, we feel comfortable asking Trang for help.
“Trang is a smart student, but she’s not snobbish about it and she never looks down on those who don’t perform well at school. Trang is always available to help others to study better.”
Coach is Dung very proud of that: “I realised that it is important for our players to have a role model to follow. And I was even happier that one of our players had become a role model for their peers. Anyone can be a role model.”
Building stronger communities
Trang adds: “I hope the program can spread everywhere, even across the globe, so children in other places of the world can enjoy learning and playing like us here.”
Using sport as a platform to equip girls and young women with important leadership and life skills, ChildFund Pass It Back supports girls and young women to reach their full potential.
Trang’s story shows how girls, even at their young age, can actively stand up for their rights and become role models in their local community.
