A Call to Justice, Faith and National Unity to end Gender-Based Violence

The Papua New Guinea Christian Professionals Network (PNGCPN) today issues a strong statement
against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), recognizing it as both a moral sin and a criminal offense that
undermines households, workplaces, and the nation’s future. GBV refers to harmful acts—physical,
emotional, sexual, or economic—committed against individuals based on their gender. It destabilizes
families, traumatizes children, erodes workplace productivity, and weakens national unity. Tribal based
Social Security System must not harbor criminal offenders. Its time leaders at the community level to
speak up and condemn Gender Based Violence. Accepting compensation from offenders at community
and district level adds fuel to Gender Based Violence in PNG. Violent people both male or female must
face the full force of law. We must always remember that PNG is an oral nation and it is shaped by oral
tradition, where knowledge is lived out through what we see and do. When injustice goes unpunished,
violence multiplies—this is a warning echoed in both Scripture and society. PNGCPN urges all church
leaders and Christian communities to rise in united leadership to end Gender-Based Violence across
Papua New Guinea.

The Bible commands love, respect, and servant leadership in all relationships. Husbands are called to
love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), and leaders are instructed to act justly and
walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Violence and oppression contradict the commandment to “love your
neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). GBV is therefore a violation of God’s design for households and
professional roles alike.

Reports from NRI and other sources shows troubling trend of GVB in PNG. We need to work together to
end this. The Public, Private and Civil Societies needs to work together. The Government through Family
Protection Act (2013) criminalizes domestic violence, while the Criminal Code addresses sexual assault
and related offenses. The Constitution guarantees equality and protection of fundamental rights. GBV is
not only a sin but a crime punishable under the laws of the land. It’s a main cause of broken families and
traumatized children, loss of workplace trust and productivity, Increased health and social burdens and
erosion of national unity and progress toward Vision 2050 so we need to stop it.

Ending GBV starts at Household Level. We need to model biblical love, respect, and shared responsibility.
The Churches, professionals, Institutions, Government, NGOs and Civil Societies must stand together
and speak with one voice against GBV. Churches to provide refuge and counseling, and teach dignity
and equality. The Professionals and Institutions to enforce workplace policies that protect staff, encourage
reporting, and uphold accountability while the Government to strengthen enforcement of laws, resource
shelters and support services, and ensure perpetrators face justice and the communities and Civil
Societies to break the silence, stand with survivors, and challenge harmful cultural norms.

Papua New Guinea cannot achieve sustainable transformation while violence remains in our homes,
workplaces, and communities. As a nation under God, we must rise together to end GBV, uphold justice,
and build households and institutions that reflect love, respect, and peace. Let justice roll down like
waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24

Approved for release by: Mr Samuel Ray, CEO, PNG Christian Professionals Network Inc.

For more information on CPN and how to join as a member, please visit:
https://pngcpn.net/, email ceo@pngcpn.net or admin@pngcpn.net, or phone +675 7573 2895.