1Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain applauds MPNSCS

The 1Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain from Papua New Guinea (PNG) has commended the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) for its partnership with Seif Ples.

During their one-week information exchange, the 1Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain team learned about the overall operational structure and network of Seif Ples.

1Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain Centre Manager, Kinime Daniel, said in PNG they do not have any signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the police like what Seif Ples has with MPNSCS.

“We have the referral system but are not signing any MOU to work with us, but we understand each other in terms of assisting the survivors because they’re providing the services the survivors need.” “We understand the role each of us plays to assist the survivors, but we are not signing any MOU to work in partnership with us like you have here in the Solomon Islands,” she said.

She said, unlike in PNG, the police here are very supportive in terms of providing support for the gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, especially those who will need the police to deal with the perpetrators in terms of arresting them.

“That is one of the fascinating things that really impresses us and something we have learned, and we will take it with us when we return to our country.”

“Not only that, but seeing other ministries come together to provide support for Seif Ples is a bonus because they’re behind Seif Ples by providing the necessary support needed by the survivors of GBV.”

During the one-week information exchange, MPNSCS Principle Strategic Planning and Policy Officer, Roxsley Basily, highlighted that under the MOU signed between MPNSCS and Seif Ples, the responsibilities of MPNSCS are:

• Provision of the Seif Ples building at Rove
• All maintenance of the building
• agreement for the extension or renovation of the building
• Provision of a dedicated vehicle(s) for survivors and dedicated drivers
• All maintenance and insurance of the vehicle(s) provided by them to Seif Ples
• The salary benefits of the center manager
• Salary and benefits for additional staff who are not nurses or doctors with the approval of the board
• Provided equipment for the center manager and other staff not employed under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services or Honiara City Council.

Basil said MPNSCS is mandated to provide safety and protection services under the amended Police Act 2014, and the Family Protection Act 2014 has been highlighted as an act to provide protection for families from domestic violence.

Seif Ples Center supports MPNSCS in providing quality medico-legal crisis and referral services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The Center has implemented a partnership between MPNSCS, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), and the Honiara City Council Nursing Department.

Participants and facilitators at the information exchange conference

Seif Ples Center Manager Brightlyn Beauty presents the Seif Ples operational structure.

Seif Ples staff manning their hotline during their 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation.

-MPNSCS Press