Community leaders trained to help stop sorcery violence, gender-based violence and substance abuse

Community leaders, church workers and volunteers from five districts in Madang Province have completed a three-day training to help address Sorcery Accusation Related Violence [SARV], Gender-Based Violence [GBV] and substance abuse in their communities.

Participants came from Raicoast, Usino-Bundi-Gama, Madang, Sumkar and Bogia districts. The training was organised by the Melanesian Institute and held at the Megiar Pastoral Centre.

The program aimed to give participants practical skills to identify violence, support victims and work with their communities to prevent these problems before they become worse.

During the training, participants learned about the rights of survivors, the importance of creating safe communities and the need for local leaders to work closely with churches, government agencies and other community groups.

One of the main lessons focused on the "See, Judge and Act" approach. Participants were taught to first identify problems in their communities, understand what is causing them and then take practical action to solve them.

Using the theme "Community as a Garden," facilitators encouraged participants to see themselves as caretakers of their communities. They said everyone has a role in removing harmful behaviour and helping communities grow into peaceful and safe places for families.

Through group discussions and activities, participants shared problems affecting their own villages. These included sorcery accusation-related violence, violence against women and children, alcohol and drug abuse, and other social issues. Together they discussed practical ways to respond to these challenges.

The second day focused on understanding the causes and effects of violence and substance abuse. Participants also learned about Papua New Guinea's laws and the penalties for people who commit criminal offences. Trainers stressed that everyone has a responsibility to respect the law and help protect vulnerable people.

Community volunteers who had attended previous training also shared their experiences. They spoke about awareness programs they had carried out in their communities, the challenges they faced and the positive changes they had seen.

The training ended with participants presenting action plans they will take back to their districts to continue awareness and encourage communities to work together to prevent violence.

Organisers said they hope the training will strengthen local leadership and help build safer, more peaceful communities across Madang Province through grassroot-led action.