FAMILY PROTECTION BILL PASSED IN PNG PARLIAMENT

Violence against woman bill passed in PNG Parliament

The Family Protection Bill 2013 was passed in parliament yesterday, 65 voted for it and none against.

Minister for Justice and Attorney General Kerenga Kua said domestic violence, in any form, has now been made an offence under this bill.

Mr. Kua said the bill covered instances such as husband and wife bashing, sexual offences on a minor or any persons physically or verbally, and stalking of any persons in the form of loitering on a person or using other materials such as mobile phones.

He said those found guilty will be fined five thousand kina and below or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

The bill also protects parties in polygamous marriages.

EMTV