SURVIVORS of violence in Bougainville are set to benefit from improved access to skilled and trusted counselling services following the completion of a 10-day basic counselling training in Buka.
The training, supported by the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership, brought together 30 frontline workers, including safe house staff, health workers and community development officers, to strengthen practical counselling skills for responding to survivors of gender-based violence and sorcery accusation-related violence.
Delivered by the PNG Counsellors Association through the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, the training was funded by the Australian Government. The Buka training forms part of broader, nationally led efforts to build counselling capacity across Papua New Guinea.
Participants were trained in safe, confidential, survivor-centred counselling approaches and strengthened their understanding of referral pathways linking police, health clinics and community organisations, contributing to more coordinated local response systems.
Speaking at the close of the training in Buka, Bougainville Minister for Community Development and Public Service, Melvin Wilolopa, said the initiative addressed urgent community needs.
“Here in Bougainville, our people face serious challenges, including family violence and sorcery-related attacks. Many survivors carry emotional wounds we cannot see,” Mr Wilolopa said.
“Counsellors play a special role in helping them be heard and supported. This training provides the practical skills our communities urgently need, and we are grateful it has reached Bougainville, where the need is real every day.”
The training series is part of wider joint efforts between PNG and Australia to build safer communities and strengthen local services that protect survivors.
Through the PNG-Australia Partnership, both countries will continue working together to expand access to care, support frontline workers and help communities respond to violence with confidence and respect.