Transcript
JOY WARTOVO: I want to educate the children, the young generation that there is a law on child abuse. Any children that becomes a victim. I specify on what is child abuse, and then I will educate them on what they should do, where they should go to get advice and help, and if they need counselling, then I can be of help. I can help writing statements or affadavits, or refer them to the provincial welfare office. I believe I can help in counselling after what I've gone through: six years or abuse, violence. I believe I can help with them, and some of the victims who are close friends and relatives, I've helped them with counselling.
BEN DRAWBRIDGE-ROBINSON: So are people able to call the Outreach Violence Desk to receive counselling?
JW: As the desk has commenced in September, I'm still in marketing and I have talked with the police station in my area. They've asked me to put up my profile at the counter, so they can refer victims of domestic violence and child abuse, any victims of all forms of abuse, to my desk. My goal is to set up a Women's Centre where victims, any victims of all forms of abuse can come. I can help with counselling them; with the help of police I can help them if they are abused.
BDR: In East New Britain do you find people are not aware of their legal rights?
JW: yes, that's right. The community I come from, the people, especially the village level people, they don't really understand what human rights are, even the law, they don't really understand the law. Some of them are illiterate. There are victims of child abuse, even rape victims, which they don't report to the police. They live in so much fear of where they're going to go, how will they talk, how will they report this. The perpetrators are free, they're still continuing doing all sorts of abuse, violence, and they think it's good, but it's unsafe in the community, especially for the women, the girls and the children.
BDR: Have you been able to make a difference in your community?
JW: I've had some people in the community, and I've been having challengers, they're throwing words at me, calling me names, but I'm not worried about that. It's a challenge. I know I'm doing the right thing. I have to be strong and move on with what I am doing to help the community become a safer place for everyone.
