Basic counselling training strengthens GBV response in Greater Sepik

Gender Based Violence frontline responders in the Greater Sepik Region have completed a 10 day Basic Counselling Training in Wewak, aimed at strengthening support services for survivors of GBV.

22 frontline workers from East and West Sepik completed the program delivered by the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat [NGBVS] under the Department for Community Development and Religion, in partnership with the PNG Counsellors Association.

NGBVS director Dianne Kambanei, said there is a critical need to strengthen frontline capacity. She said national baseline survey identified 51 operating safe houses across 17 provinces; a finding that highlights the urgency for more coordinated, better‑resourced survivor support services nationwide.

She also reaffirmed the Government’s national goals to have 80 safe houses operational and to ensure 60% of survivors accessing services receive counselling support by 2027.

Correctional Service Inspector Jacintha Nohou, who was one of the participants, said the training was transformative.

“I’ve learned how to approach survivors, provide counselling, and make referrals. But mostly, I’ve built the skills needed to support a GBV survivor with confidence and care.”

The Basic Counselling Training forms part of the early roll out activities under the Revised PNG Strategy to Prevent and Respond to GBV 2026–2035, which includes national targets such as expanding rural trauma care access and increasing the number of survivors who receive counselling support.

The revised Strategy has been endorsed by the National Executive Council and will be officially launched soon.