The prime minister of Papua New Guinea has called on husbands to stop beating their wives, saying he is ashamed of the high level of domestic violence in his country.
Sir Michael Somare's comments follow recent newspaper reports of severe wife beatings.
He says domestic violence was not just happening in remote villages, but also in highly educated families.
The newspaper campaign against the abuse prompted a protest and petition to parliament calling for action.
It was backed by the sole female MP, Dame Carol Kidu, but by no other politician.
