BASIC COUNSELLING TRAINING SUPPORTS SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE

FOLLOWING the completion of 10 days basic counselling training in Buka, Survivors of violence in Bougainville will now have improved access to skilled and trusted counselling and support services.

The training was supported by the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ) and brought together 30 frontline workers, including safe house staff, health workers and community development officers.

Participants strengthened practical counselling skills to respond safely and confidentially to survivors of gender-based violence and sorcery accusation-related violence.

Speaking at the final training in Buka, Bougainville Minister for Community Development and Public Service, Mr Melvin Wilolopa said the training gives frontline workers practical skills that communities urgently need.

The training was delivered by the PNG Counsellors Association through the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, with funding from the Australian Government.

The training in Buka was part of broader, nationally-led efforts to strengthen counselling capacity across Papua New Guinea.