Justice Ministry strengthens frontline response to family violence

Jun 4, 2025 | News | 0

The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MoJYCS) is stepping up efforts to tackle family violence and abuse in remote communities through a Peer Support Session in Santo, bringing together 28 Authorised Persons (APs) to improve their frontline response.

APs are trained volunteers appointed under the Family Protection Act to issue temporary protection orders, connect families to essential services, and respond in areas where police and courts are not easily accessible. The four-day Peer Support Session aimed to build their skills, expand their knowledge, and reaffirm their role in community safety.

The session also created space for peer learning, legal refresher training, and direct engagement with key partners including the Vanuatu Police Force, Child Desk, Disability Desk, and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre. These activities form part of MoJYCS’ broader work to support APs and strengthen local protection networks.

The Peer Support Session is an annual initiative designed to help APs share practical solutions and experiences. This year marked the first time the session included participants from both Santo and Malekula, creating new connections and shared learning between islands.

Delivered by teams from across Vanuatu’s justice and community services sector, with support from the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Programme (VAPJP), the session reflects the long-running partnership between Australia, MoJYCS, and community-based justice actors.

MoJYCS Director of Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Rothina Noka, said the AP programme is key to protecting families.

“Authorised Persons are central to our response to domestic violence. The Ministry is committed to making sure they have the knowledge, support, and local networks to carry out this challenging but essential role in both normal and emergency settings,” said Mrs. Noka.

Australian High Commission VAPJP Programme Manager, Ellenson Taurakoto, attended the Santo session and said it was a privilege to meet the APs serving on the frontline of justice.

“Australia is proud to partner with the Government of Vanuatu to help build safer communities. APs play an important part in that work, especially in remote areas where access to justice can be limited,” said Mrs. Taurakoto.

As of May 2025, there are 28 APs serving communities in Santo and Malekula—20 in Santo and 8 in Malekula—providing support where police and court services remain hard to reach.

AP Pastor Lulu Baia, who serves South Santo Area 2, said the sessions make a difference for APs and for the communities they serve.

“It can be hard when you’re doing this work on your own. Coming together reminds us we’re not alone. It gives us the strength and skills to keep going, and helps us support those at risk with the help they need,” Pastor Baia said.

The Peer Support Programme has been running since 2019. The MoJYCS will continue working with partners to back a strong, community-led approach to preventing family violence.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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