July 2009 - Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme

ISSN 1178-1963
News
JULY 2009
“Protecting Victims”
Programme update
Welcome to the fifth edition of the PPDVP News.
This edition focuses on the activities of the programme with
the Tongan Police Force. The Police Commander, Chris Kelley,
has made domestic violence a priority action for the Tonga
Police, and has led a number of areas for change. Like all of the
participating countries who have now been working on their
responses for over three years, the benefits of this are now
being realised. This newsletter will show some of the activities,
initiatives and mechanisms which are in place, and how these
have been supported. The role of the NGOs and government
agencies are a key component.
Working
Together
The drive for change in how
women and families are treated
and respected has been a long
one. For more than 30 years
various people and groups have
been at the forefront for change.
Cam Ronald
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has been a consistent voice
throughout that time and people like Shamima Ali are respected
across the region for their knowledge, views and courage. The
The Vanuatu programme began in late 2008 and is set to “take
Vanuatu Women’s Centre struggled against huge adversity for
off”. Vanuatu now has comprehensive legislation on domestic
more than 11 years to achieve the acceptance of legislation in
and family violence. The experience gained from all of the other
Vanuatu to protect families.
participating countries has allowed the Commissioner to make
strong commitments to the DV programme.
As the PPDVP moves into the fourth year of in-country delivery
of support to the police services and their partner agencies, it’s
The round up of activities in the other participating countries
timely to recall that we are something of a recent addition in this
shows just how much progress has been made. Further
pacific process.
developments are still being implemented which will continue
our progress. The linked jurisdictions such as Nauru, Niue and the
Solomon Islands have all been busy and their work is described in
PPDVP News. All have a different and interesting perspective.
The lessons from the NGOs and individuals, and the experience
of many people who worked with the police forces before
PPDVP’s establishment, set the ground for the success that is
now evident. While the work through the PPDVP and the in-
A new programme has started - RRRT “Changing Laws: Protecting
country Domestic Violence Units in police may be new, it is built
Women”. This is a three year ‘in-country’ programme to support
on some very “wise heads” who have a lot of knowledge which
legislative developments and policy to protect families. The
they freely share.
PPDVP is a key ally with this important initiative and we will
be working closely with them. The programme began with a
genuine “consultation” in Nadi where the participants heard of
the activities in each country and how to fill the gaps.
The initiation of the “Changing Laws: Protecting Women”
programme with the RRRT is an example of our sharing their
expert legal knowledge and working together to protect victims.
This three-year programme is closely aligned with the PPDVP and
We have updated some regional activities, including the
the timing of their initiative provides a powerful ally to the work
Litigation Skills Training held in Vanuatu in late 2008; and a
of the PPDVP and the country programmes.
country needs assessment across Micronesia where eight police
forces were visited. Various activities in each of the participating
countries were also updated.
The Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting in Nadi in April
heard a senior Pacific police leader describe how he had learnt
to change his own attitudes to discipline and use of force in his
PPDVP Programme Officer Inspector Soni Malaulau is on a six-
own family and to make that change occur. He has led the same
month secondment to work with the Afghanistan National Police
change in attitudes within his police service. He attributed this
and his place has been filled by Inspector Tony Wakelin. Soni will
directly to the lessons he and his police service have learnt from
provide an insight into life for families in Afghanistan in the next
the domestic violence programme in his country.
newsletter. Tony has been busy since he started in April and is
leading the response to the Micronesia Police, which is described
in this journal.
Cam Ronald
The PPDVP will work with our partners and those that have
such a wide and in-depth knowledge, to deliver some common
messages through the media and other avenues in 2009 and
2010. A key message will be that we are “working together” to
reduce the harm to families.
Cover Photo: Detective Haley Ryan with Manager of the Shelter for the
Tongan National Centre for Women and Children (NCWC).
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The programme welcomes any comments/contributions
to the newsletter. If you wish to make comment, please
direct to Kim Bloomfield (Support Officer, PPDVP),
Level 4 - PPDVP / ISG New Zealand Police Headquarters,
180 Molesworth Street, Wellington, New Zealand or
email [email protected] DDI 64 4 4707373, Cell 64
021 224 3526. Fax: 64 4 4749540.
Welcome to Tony Wakelin
Inspector Tony Wakelin has joined the PPDVP team at Police National
Police which is a rural station in the
Headquarters as the relieving programme officer while Inspector
Eastern Bay of Plenty. Tony has wide
Soni Malaulau is in Afghanistan.
investigative experience in criminal
Tony has 22 years policing service and has experience in management,
administration and operational policing. As the Programme Officer
enquiries and has managed many
major crime investigations.
he plays a supporting role to the Programme Manager. Tony is
“I’m looking forward to working
responsible for the regional component of the PPDVP programme and
with a team of dedicated staff
is managing networks amongst Pacific countries to progress domestic
in New Zealand and within the
violence issues. He also has a specific focus on developing regional
overseas agencies who are passionate about tackling the problem of
training, legislation focusing on domestic violence and maintaining a
domestic violence in the Pacific. Working in Ōpōtiki I saw firsthand the
close liaison with the various New Zealand Police ‘in-country’ mentors.
devastation that domestic violence can cause. We made some great
During his career Tony has worked in variety of roles and locations
throughout New Zealand, and also in the Solomon Islands with RAMSI.
He has been officer in charge (O/C) of the Criminal Investigation
Tony Wakelin
‘inroads’ into changing attitudes towards domestic violence in Ōpōtiki
and I am keen to use this experience to help develop programmes
that will benefit police staff and the Pacific community.”
Branch (CIB); O/C Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) and O/C of Ōpōtiki
PILON Litigation Skills Training - Vanuatu
The Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON) has been supported
by New Zealand Crown Law for a number of years to deliver a
biennial litigation skills programme. The programme provides the
skills required by lawyers who are working as public defenders and
prosecutors across the Pacific in case preparation, adducing evidence,
cross examination and running a defended Court hearing.
The training is delivered by a panel of experts who are Judges, Crown
Solicitors, Attorney’s General, Queens Counsel, Barristers and field
practitioners in the courts across the pacific. Many are graduates of
this programme, which NZAID funds.
PPDVP works closely with New Zealand Crown Law who develop and
oversee the PILON programme. The outline for the scenario used
in training Pacific police staff in domestic violence assault cases “Miriam and Ioane” from Kiribati - was used as a new practical court
room exercise for the trainees.
Five police prosecutors joined 32 other participants for the intensive
two-week programme at the USP in Vanuatu in November 2008.
The PPDVP Implementation Team provided support and gave an
outline of the PPDVP activities, as well as a short session on some of
the dynamics around domestic violence so that the trainees would
recognise some of these factors in their case work.
The programme is designed to challenge and test the participant’s
skills and knowledge and to build these through a series of mock
court cases. No holds are barred in this process and the advice
from the panel members is to the point, while being positive and
constructive. PPDVP Programme Manager Cam Ronald said the
trainees actively participated. “At times they were severely tested,
but supported one another and did well.”
PILON Training in Vanuatu with Judges Coral Shaw (NZ) and Principal
Magistrate Emma Garo Ma’arano from the Solomon Islands.
skilled lawyers working in the Courts about improvements in their
case preparation and court room skills.
One of the lessons learnt in this first linkage with the PILON
programme is to ensure that the nominees from each of the countries
have the right experience and that they are properly prepared.
A greater emphasis on selection and pre course preparation will be
a feature of PPDVP’s future involvement. The PILON litigation skills
programme is held every two years and the PPDVP will consider
placing further police prosecutors on that course in late 2010.
A spin off from this training has been approval for a scoping exercise
on the overall training needs for police prosecutors across the Pacific.
These will include skills such as those provided at the PILON course,
but also address the wider requirements. The NZ Government is
providing support to scope these needs with the police in Kiribati and
Samoa. This will then lead to the development of a plan for a wider
Since returning to their roles in Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Samoa their
proposal to support training and skills development for all police
progress has been monitored. Feedback has been received from
prosecutors.
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Participating Countries
Tonga
It includes within its members
representatives from NGO’s and
The PPDVP in Tonga is progressing in leaps and bounds. The
progression of the programme has coincided with the appointment
of Commander Chris Kelley. With his full support Tonga Police Force is
dealing with all domestic violence incidents with a new passion.
My last deployment into Tonga was in May 2009 where Inspector
Tony Wakelin, Senior Sergeant Dave Ryan and I delivered a two week
domestic violence ‘Train the Trainer’ package to 16 enthusiastic police
officers. These officers were selected from all the Policing Districts
throughout Tonga.
A number of them have also been chosen to hold the Domestic
Violence portfolio within their police stations on their return.
The course went extremely well. The officers who attended not only
learnt a lot about domestic violence but the majority of them are now
able to deliver the same package to officers in their home stations.
Tonga now has an officer who holds the Domestic Violence portfolio
in every station on Tongatapu and in all districts on the outer islands.
This is a first for the Tonga Police. The officers who were selected to
take on this role have been chosen wisely. They are all dedicated in
making victims safe and all offenders accountable.
During this deployment I was invited along with Cam Ronald to attend
two Committee meetings. The first of these was with the Tonga
Police National Domestic Violence Committee. This committee was
instigated by Commander Kelley and includes within its members all
the Police District Commanders throughout Tonga as well as Assistant
Commander Tupouniua, the Executive Sponsor of the National
Domestic Violence Unit within Tonga, and Commander Kelley.
The national committee discusses domestic violence incidents that
have occurred in each district and ensures that all incidents are being
appropriately responded to by the Tonga Police Force.
The second committee was the National Domestic Violence
Committee. This is another initiated by Commander Kelley.
Participants of the training held in Tonga.
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Government Departments within
Tonga. The committee purpose is
to provide a national oversight on
domestic violence Police policy,
legislation and Police practice.
Detective Haley Ryan
With Commander Kelley’s support
Tonga Police has also adopted a “no drop” rule towards all offences
that are related to domestic violence incidents. All offences are
now being prosecuted and are not be withdrawn without the
Commander’s approval.
This includes cases that involve victims recanting their complaint and
not wanting to provide evidence in court. The Tonga Police view now
is that other evidence besides the victim’s complaint can be presented
to the Court to prove the offence.
There is considerable support and strong partnerships that the
Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) has formed with a number of NGOs
within Tonga. Without the fantastic work that these agencies are
performing, the Domestic Violence Unit would not have progressed in
the manner in which it has.
In particular the National Centre of Women and Children is working
closely with each member of the DVU and has adopted a reciprocal
referral system of all victims reporting domestic violence abuse.
This system ensures the victims receive full support. All referrals are
discussed at a weekly meeting attended by both organisations where
they discuss, plan and action issues from each meeting. This attempts
to ensure the continual safety of each victim.
In the future other agencies will also be in a position to attend and
contribute to these weekly meetings.
Detective Haley Ryan
Tonga Mentor
Tongan Police Committed to addressing domestic violence
A strong commitment to reducing the impact of domestic violence in Tonga has been made by
the Tonga Police. Police Commander Chris Kelley told the recent Train the Trainer programme
that violence is not acceptable.
Commander Kelley has been consistent in delivering this message on behalf of all the
Tonga Police, firstly at the White Ribbon Day ceremonies on 25 November 2008 and at other
opportunities since then.
During the May training programme Tongan media organisations took the chance to publicise
the training and to see it in progress. The Commander held a briefing with the PPDVP
Programme Manager, Cam Ronald, and Assistant Police Commander Itu Tupouniua who is the
executive level sponsor of the domestic violence activities in the Tonga Police. Itu described
how the police have established coordinators in each police district and outer islands, to ensure
that a consistent approach is taken across all of the community in how the police respond to
these crimes. She emphasised the multi agency approach that was being developed, especially Tongan Police Commander Chris Kelley
addresses the graduating trainees.
with the established NGO’s already working with women and victims in Tonga.
Programme Manager Cam Ronald outlined how the PPDVP was working with the Tonga Police to support their initiative through the
delivery of training programmes, as well as the chance to see how others worked through study tours and programmes linked with
pacific countries and with New Zealand.
Late last year the head of the Tonga Police Domestic Violence Unit, Detective Sergeant Seteone Poutele, joined 11 others from across the
pacific to work with New Zealand Police staff, the Courts, and a range of organisations and agencies in how they responded to domestic
violence cases. These lessons have now been applied in Tonga.
“There is a strong partnership between the Tonga Police and the NGO’s in Tonga, especially the Tongan Centre for Women and Children,
as well as others like the Lifeline and the Salvation Army,” Cam said. “This guarantees that everyone is working together to protect
families and making sure that the best possible solution is found to their problems.”
“The 2009 Tongan Police Strategic Plan will focus on Community Reassurance; Policing with Confidence; and Organisational
Development. One of our key activities will be our response to violence and especially domestic violence. Everyone will have a part in
this, and will be led by the coordinators completing their training today,” said Commander Kelley.
Tonga Training – The Victims
As part of the Tonga Police Domestic Violence Investigation Training the
participants visited at the safe house operated by the Tongan Centre
for Women and Children. The house had recently been spruced up by a
New Zealand Rotary Club and the facilities now available to victims and
Possibly the main lesson was the need for the Police to be clear in their
minds that they had to put aside their personal beliefs, including the
natural desire to build and maintain families, and to enforce the law to
ensure that victims were protected from further harm.
The course members were sincerely appreciative to “M” and the others at
the safe house.
their families are excellent.
One of the victims staying at the safe house who we shall call “M” agreed
to describe her case to the police staff. She sat with her counsellor
and outlined her experiences over many years and the various violent
offending that had taken place. This offending led to one particular
incident which had caused “M” to seek help from the Centre and to take
a prosecution against her husband.
“M” described the emotions, feelings, fears and experiences that she
had been through. She also spoke of the lead up to the court case,
the defended hearing and the pressures that this brought to her, her
counsellor and to others that were supporting her.
Police staff were able to ask questions and to discuss her situation with
help from her counsellor and others from the centre. This led to a very
respectful, but comprehensive debate, on many of the long held beliefs
by the members and how these related to the specific case of “M”.
The Executive Director Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil Likulikuk, "M" and a Tongan
police officer at the safe house.
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Participating Countries
Cook Islands
The Domestic Violence Unit is now a standard part of policing for the Cook Island’s Police. It is situated within
the Family Services Group which includes Youth Aid and now reports to the Operations Inspector to reinforce
its front line response.
Constable Pauline Rangi is now well established in her role as the O/C of the Domestic Violence Unit.
Mr John Robinson
She supports front line staff in domestic violence matters, maintains the domestic violence
database that provides vital information to the intelligence unit and will be a subject matter expert
in her role. During her first week in the job Pauline was thrown in the deep end with a call from
Punanga Tauturu saying they needed some help with a New Zealand tourist domestic violence
incident. Pauline did the formal interviews, took ownership of the file and did what she expects
all front line staff should do in such incidents. She did an excellent job and proved to herself
that the process works. It also gave her first hand experience of completing what is required
from first call for service to entering into the database.
This incident also shows the development of the relationship between Punanga Tauturu and
the Cook Island Police that they both have confidence in each other to work closely together
Pauline Rangi working her way through a file.
with victims to ensure they get good outcomes. The Cook Islands Northern Group of police officers underwent community policing training
in Rarotonga which includes options for preventing and responding to domestic violence in the outer islands. The PPDVP mentor and Pauline
presented to this group as well. Future plans include maintaining the standards developed, increasing community awareness of the issues both
on Rarotonga and the outer islands and establishing a government response to the consequences of this crime.
Mr John Robinson
Cook Islands Mentor
Participating Countries
Samoa
Nine mentor deployments have occurred in Samoa since the inception of the Pacific Prevention of Domestic
Violence Programme. Within that time the Ministry of Police & Prison Services Domestic Violence Team or
‘Vaega O Sauaa I Totonu O Agia’ has also grown and now accommodates nine full time officers in one of the
adjoining buildings behind Apia’s main station.
Inspector Karen Smith
While the team is focusing on the recording and appropriate resolutions
of matters of domestic violence, the major focus in Samoa this year will
be centred on whether or not the ‘Family Safety Bill’ currently in draft
format, is passed in Parliament later this year.
Samoa is now able to provide at least two officers on 24-hour coverage
for domestic violence matters. The proactive arm of the team is also
under development to ensure consistent delivery of all domestic violence
training to colleagues in general policing and specialised areas.
All new recruits receive domestic violence training The DV unit delivers
awareness training around domestic violence in conjunction with
community policing and or NGO’s to the villages and schools in Samoa.
The biggest challenge for the members of the Domestic Violence Team still
Pictured from left to right: Constable Misipele, Constable Mulivai,
remains in terms of meeting the needs and expectations of the community. Corporal Moefetu, Constable Usufono, Constable Johnny, Constable Feagai,
Constable Vaalele & Constable Iosefatu (Absent: Constable Fono).
Inspector Karen Smith
Samoa Mentor
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Participating Countries
Kiribati
required to return with an oval ball.
Given the coral sand I suspect tackle
I was last in Kiribati in February and as is usual I was pleased to return
and catch up with colleagues and friends.
Thet first thing that struck me was the energy and excitement
in addressing family violence shown by the team at the Family
Assistance and Sexual Offences Unit (the FASO). The office had a smart
and professional appearance and there was a determination from the
team to involve themselves in cases and issues facing the community
around domestic violence.
rugby is going to struggle. In the
heat touch rugby is challenging
enough – especially for this chap.
One of the key events was a
Senior Sergeant James Sole
workshop for middle managers
where we worked on the beginnings of a strategic plan for the KPS. It
was a process I thoroughly enjoyed. We took the step of introducing
our ideas and learnings from police services from New Zealand, other
South Pacific countries and the rest of the world. The choice was then
A big thank you to Sergeant Okky and her team. I know that Kim
left to the workshop to decide if they wanted or needed a strategic
Bloomfield had some very favourable comments to make about the
plan. They endorsed the need and we began a process of healthy
speed with which the team learnt the new reporting system.
debate and discussion.
The recent launch of the
For me the highlight was the
Gender Based Violence and
development of the KPS Vision.
Child Abuse survey results
It linked in key elements of those
has produced a desire
matters that are so important to
amongst the community
Kiribati. These were brainstormed
and in particular the Police
by the participants. I believe the
to address this important
unanimous feel of the group was
social issue. The support
that they had developed a ‘vision’
and backing of Acting
they were justifiably proud of.
Commissioner Iotita is
appreciated by the mentor
and PPDVP and has
Sergeant Jim Sole with Kiribati Police members who attended the workshop
Current KPS Vision: A modern,
provided the necessary
leadership to move forward.
We know this is a sensitive issue to discuss and is easily left to be
Vision
proactive and responsive police agency providing quality police
services to the community of I Kiribati.
considered ‘family business.’ We also know that no citizen of Kiribati
KPS Domestic Violence Strategy Vision: Kiribati homes free of domestic
should live a life of fear or abuse – particularly in their own home.
violence where families are happy, healthy, prosperous, living in peace
Acting Commissioner Iotita put it very well when he spoke to the
and are supportive of each other and their communities.
NCOs who attended the workshop to increase their learning and
Te Utu ae kakukurei bon mwengan te I-Kiribati ae akea te kiriwe iai, e
understanding of investigating domestic violence by referring to the
marurung raoi ba e boutokaaki iai te tangira, te aroaro ma te reitaki ae
survey. “We must be worried and concerned, given the core functions
tamaroa iroura n tatabemaniira nako ma te botan aomata inanon Te
of the Police are preserving peace, law and order. That includes the
Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa.
Police’s obligation to ensure that the people are safe and secure both
(English Translation): Happy family is the home of I Kiribati, free of
at home and in the street.”
violence, healthy supported by love, good relationships with each
The O/C Tarawa wore a white ribbon to the same ceremony and spoke
other, within the community through health peace and prosperity.
of its significance to policing.
Acting Commissioner Iotita Kuarawete and Sergeant Okoro Iuka were
The first week saw me working with the NCOs at a workshop at the
invited to attend as observers, at the Regional Advisory Committee
Police Training School. We had some excellent discussions around
(RAC) meeting held in Fiji.
leadership and responsibilities for NCOs to role model the correct
AC Kuarawete gave a very good presentation on the state of the
behaviours in all areas of their working and home life. The feedback
Kiribati Police in general and an overview of all statistics downloaded
was positive and I look forward to them working alongside FASO and
from the CMIS database on Domestic Violence Incident reports that
Community Policing to address Domestic Violence in Tarawa and the
the FASO unit has dealt with since being set up in 2006.
Outer Islands.
We took time out to play the ‘Frigates’ v ‘Kiwi’s’ soccer match - which
Sergeant Jim Sole
Kiribati Mentor
turned into a game of touch rugby. They have the bug now and I am
7
Participating Countries
Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s current population of around 223,000, of whom around
75-80% live in the outlying villages and islands and rest in the
capital centre of Port Vila makes for a very interesting outlook on
mentoring Police.
The current Family Protection Unit
(FPU) is similar to NZ Child and Adult
Sexual Abuse Teams in that they
come under the CID and their focus
is the investigation of all sexual
abuse cases. With the involvement of
the PPDVP we will be creating a new
Senior Sergeant Alan McGlade
The primary focus is on working alongside the Port Vila Central Police
Domestic Violence Investigation
and seeing any positive work ‘mushroom’ from this core approach,”
Team who will become part of the current FPU. The investigation
says Senior Sergeant Alan McGlade.
teams are excited and very positive about the developments with the
This was Alan’s second deployment to the country. “The challenges
facing Vanuatu have some great potential and this gives me plenty of
opportunity to provide guidance, assistance and advice.”
One of the key issues is the introduction of the new Family Protection
Act 2009. This piece of legislation has taken around ten years to finally
make its way into law and the very traditional values held by many of
the population has resulted in some strong opposition to the act.
group. They will benefit from working alongside NZ Police who have
already developed systems and processes in this very area and can
provide some timely and valuable guidance and training in this field.
As a result of a recent crime prevention conference Police have
launched a new National Crime Prevention Committee led by
Superintendent Daniel Rakau and guided by the Capacity Building
Project. This committee is made up of government and nongovernment agencies and meets regularly to look at all aspects
The whole approach to this legislation is very similar to the response
of crime prevention initiatives and a wide range of systems and
to the New Zealand “Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment
processes where improvements could be made. It is early days for the
Act 2007” (Anti-smacking legislation), and it has generated significant
committee but again this has great potential.
and fairly ‘healthy’ debate around the whole topic of abuse. Although
the legislation is now ‘cemented’ the actual enforcement of the law
is a whole new challenge and there is much to do to make this very
valuable piece of legislation work Some great opportunities exist
to provide good quality training for Police, judicial agencies and
community groups over the coming months.
The Family Protection Unit currently consists of a Detective Senior
Sergeant Davis Saravanu, Detective Sergeant Jeanne Thomas
and Detective Redford David. One of the most exciting projects
currently in progress is the development of the new Police Family
Protection Unit office on the CID floor of the Port Vila Police station.
This year will see the retirement of the current Police Commissioner
and a new senior officer take his place. On behalf of NZ Police, Alan
passed his best wishes to the Commissioner on his retirement after
many years of commitment to the Police.
“Aside from the project work and daily challenges that we work with
overseas this is such a great opportunity for me to visit and be part
of such a different culture and to be welcomed into the country to
experience Policing in a completely different environment.”.
Senior Sergeant Alan McGlade
Vanuatu Mentor
All the necessary planning has taken place and as soon as the Police
Commissioner has signed off our MOU we will be in a position to get
started on the new office renovations.
National Crime Prevention Coordinators, Superintendent Daniel Rakau and
others.
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The Family Protection team.
Link countries
Solomon Islands
In February this year PPDVP’s Reserve mentor, Inspector Dave Ryan travelled to Honiara, and was met by the
Constable Merrin Dancy (Minnie) who is currently deployed in Solomon Islands through RAMSI. Merrin holds
the portfolio of the PPDVP advisor with the Solomon Islands Police Force.
Constable Dancy who is deployed in this role for a year has established some excellent relationships with the
Christian Care Centre, NGO’s and other groups involved with DV Prevention. She is a well respected member of
Inspector Dave Ryan
the Domestic Violence Prevention group in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner has appointed several
Domestic Violence Coordinators in each of the provinces. These
are part time positions and during the next 12 months they will
be assisted in building a local action plan to suit their local needs.
Inspector Ryan attended the training for the Domestic Violence
Coordinators undertaken by Staff Sergeant Tuhaika Temangutaua
(Morris) and Sergeant Stanley Riolo of the Royal Solomon Island
Police (RSIP), on Domestic Violence Investigation. This training
was based on scenarios of attending incidents and gathering
evidence as part of the investigation.
Inspector Ryan also met with the Prison Chaplain Father Jack to
trial a Men’s Counselling Program within the prisons.
Inspector Dave Ryan
Reserve Mentor
Royal Solomon Islands Police members complete their training as Domestic Violence
Coordinators.
Link countries
Nauru
Nauru Police have taken a lead in developing a local family protection team. Senior Sergeant Sheeva Cook
from the Nauru Police joined the PPDVP Investigative study tour in Auckland in late 2008 where she observed
examples of various initiatives in working with NGO’s and others to protect families.
On her return to Nauru she identified the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to develop
a safe house and procedures to support victims and their families. The Ministry comprises full time workers
as well volunteers and Sheeva has been able to bring three of the volunteers to join her initiative. The Nauru
Inspector Sue O’Neil
hospital also participates with a worker from there who is trained as a
counsellor, joining the team. The Nauru Government has assisted by
making premises available.
In the first four months of 2009 the house had been used on four
occasions, usually for just a few days. This is all achieved on a largely
voluntary basis.
PPDVP have provided assistance to the Nauru Police through initial
training in Auckland and Tonga and the study tour in Auckland. There is
strong support for action on domestic violence at both the Government
and the community level. Later this year reserve mentor Sue O’Neil will
spend time in Nauru working alongside Sheeva and others from the
Nauru Police on the investigative processes around domestic violence.
Members of the Nauru family violence team in the safe house.
Nauru will also receive support from the RRRT Changing Laws: Protecting Women programme with a part time worker to drive this initiative.
Inspector Sue O’Neil
Reserve Mentor
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Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT)
Changing Laws: Protecting Women
A new and powerful agent for change has launched in the region to
provide the impetus for the development of legislation to protect
families. It also pushes for a change in attitudes in the community,
and in Governments, to reduce the harm from violence within families.
The Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) has been active in
the region for many years with programmes to train in-country
representatives as "para legals" to provide front line legal advice;
training programmes for lawyers and the Judiciary; as an expert
resource on legalisation on families, violence and human rights;
and to be an advocate for change. The RRRT is a key member of
Late last year they received the green light for a three-year
programme.
RRRT hosted a "regional consultation" in Nadi in early May where
an assessment of the current legislation was made. Each country
described their own situation and a gap analysis revealed the principal
areas where work is needed.
The process in the development of legislation in Vanuatu, and the
drafting of legislation in Fiji, were key lessons for the workshop.
The "consultation" led to agreement on the specific work areas in
each country. The programme will provide in-country support with
either full time or part time coordinators depending on the level of
the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) to the PPDVP.
activity in the country.
Like many organisations across the pacific, the RRRT has struggled
National committees to guide and support the developments, and to
to secure funds for regional
effect change at a government and policy level, as well as a social and
community level, were agreed.
programmes, as the demand
Wherever possible these
for these funds across the
committees will join or build on
world is immense. When
the structures already initiated
the problems of the Pacific
are matched against those
by the PPDVP.
in the rest of the world, the
Advertisements for the in-
competition becomes all the
country positions have been
more intense.
placed and the country work
The RRRT has long seen the
programmes will start mid
need for comprehensive and
this year.
consistent legislation in the
The "consultation workshop"
Pacific around Family Law
emphasised the importance
including domestic violence
of changes that are locally
and the protection of the
supported, locally led, and
vulnerable, when families are
under stress and violence.
Workshop delegates discuss options for "Changing Laws: Protecting Women" at the
Nadi workshop held in April 2009.
In 2008 they made a
submission to the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of Action
to Eliminate Violence Against Women. Sandra Bernklau, who is the
RRRT Programme Manager based in Suva, led the application process.
sustained by expert advice
and experience.
The programme will use existing legislation and processes as start
points wherever it can as it strives to introduce comprehensive Family
Law to the best international standards in each country.
While the proposal always seemed essential for the Pacific, it was not
From the PPDVP perspective, the programme is a natural ally. The
an easy process to meet the international criteria for it to be a success.
main countries for delivery of this programme are matched against
Sandra described the problems in understanding the great distances
between countries and the high costs of air travel in the Pacific when
committee members based in Europe are accustomed to jumping on
a train and travelling between countries and home again, just for a
one-day meeting.
Simply describing the programme is a task in itself. "Changing Laws:
Protecting Women, lobbying for legislation change in violence against
women / family law in order to enhance protection for women and
girls in six pacific island countries" is something of mouthful. Sandra
refers to it as the "Changing Laws: Protecting Women" programme but
in order to meet the criteria the rather comprehensive title emerged.
10
the PPDVP "Participating Countries". The secondary stream is matched
to the "Linked Countries" for the PPDVP. The overall objectives of
the RRRT Programme are aligned to two of the key objectives of the
PPDVP in developing domestic violence legislation and policy in each
country.
Further information can be obtained from Gina Houng Lee at RRRT
(679) 330 5582 and the RRRT web site at www.rrrt.org.
Micronesia
On 25 May this year Cam Ronald and Tony Wakelin from the PPDVP Programme started a 20-day trip through
Micronesia visiting Guam, Palau, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Majuro in the Marshall Islands.
The trip was to establish what was happening in respect to Domestic / Family Violence in those countries and
to assess what assistance the PPDVP programme could offer the Police / Public Safety departments.
They were warmly welcomed in each country. Meetings were held with Police Commissioners, Public Safety
Directors, Police staff, Attorney’s General, Judges, Women’s advocate groups and other stakeholders that work
Inspector Tony Wakelin
with Domestic Violence cases. Each meeting was informative and lots of ideas were discussed and shared
which were then transferred into extensive notes.
Funding is in place by NZAID for the PPDVP programme to provide assistance to the Micronesia police services. The exact response is yet to be
decided but it may include providing training of Police staff, assisting with the set up of Police Domestic Violence Coordinators, out of country
training and community awareness programmes. It is clear that what may work in one place may require a different approach in another.
Work has started in assessing the information and documentation that was gathered and assistance has already been given to some NGOs in
the form of linking them up with experts throughout the Pacific. Tony Wakelin has begun working on this project and will be putting together
a proposal to be considered by the PPDVP Programme Manager and the Chiefs of Police in Micronesia. Implementation of this will start in the
second half of 2009.
Inspector Tony Wakelin
Members of Guam PD, proudly displaying the PICP Declaration.
Palau Bureau of Public Safety Director and Executive Officer.
Micronesia Training
PPDVP had a half day discussing domestic violence
issues with 47 police trainees from across the
Federated States of Micronesia, as part of a five
month recruit training programme.
The trainees had a mix of experience and service some were new entrants while others had
been police members for more than ten years.
This opportunity for the PPDVP was a great session
of learning, discussion, and challenging of beliefs.
Trainee police from Federated States of Micronesia.
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Samoa Legislation
New Website
The Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme has been fortunate
this year to enlist the skills of Leilani Va’a Tamati, to assist with the drafting of
the first ‘Family Safety Bill’ for Samoa.
The PPDVP web site has been launched - not quite the
same status as the Apollo landing on the moon in 1969 but a significant event for the programme. The web site
Leilani has been a practicing barrister/solicitor since 2000 and brings
contains updates on programme activities; a calendar
a vast array of skills and knowledge. She has several years experience
of events and deployments plans for the mentors; and
in the Attorney General’s Office where she worked on substantive bills,
a resource library of template documents and research
amendments, and regulations over a wide range of subject matter including
papers.
health, education, environment, Government administrative related bills and
even constitutional amendment bills. Apart from bringing up her family she
runs her own successful private practice in downtown Apia.
Programme Support Officer Kim Bloomfield manages the
site. Kim says “We are keen to keep the site up to date
and welcome any news items or suggestions on material
The draft Bill has been through wide community consultation in Samoa.
which could be available on the site. It’s really easy for us
Leilani said the consultations have gone a lot smoother than expected and
to upload to it, and suggestions and files can be sent to
there has been a lot of support for the Bill even in relation to the controversial
[email protected].”
reporting provisions. Leilani said she has enjoyed working on the Bill and has
The web address is: www.ppdvp.org.nz
found it a challenge. She’s also improved her Samoan as a result.
The Bill has been provided to the Samoa Attorney General who will now
consider the proposals with a view to placing it on the Parliamentary
calendar.
Leilani hopes the Bill will eventually reduce the number of cases of domestic
violence, find solutions to the problem of domestic violence within Samoa,
and have a significant effect on men who abuse their wives and women who
abuse their children. She also hopes the Bill will encourage the Ministry of
Police and Courts to assist people in domestic violence situations and result in
an increased understanding about the issues of domestic violence.
Inspector Karen Smith
Samoa Mentor
PPDVP
The Pacific Prevention of
Domestic Violence Programme
(PPDVP) is a five year commitment
by NZAID, the New Zealand
Police, and the Pacific Islands
Chief of Police (PICP) focused on
reducing the incidence of domestic
violence in the Pacific.
If you would like to know more
about the PPDVP go to www.
police.govt.nz/service/overseas
or call +64 4 470 7213
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HELPING PREVENT
VIOLENCE IN THE PACIFIC
AIMS TO:
increase police capacity across the region to prevent and respond effectively to
domestic violence
increase the police capacity to respond effectively in the participating countries of
Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati
develop and maintain effective partnerships between the Police and NGOs
support the development of appropriate legislation on domestic violence and training
for the judiciary and legal profession
support development of appropriate national policy on domestic violence and
the inclusion of appropriate actions National Development Plans of participating
countries.