POLICE chief Matthew Varley is calling on community leaders and elders to work with people in the community to understand the serious consequences of family and domestic violence.
He made the call in light of last Friday’s gruesome killing of a mother of five who was allegedly assaulted by her husband at Marau, Guadalcanal.
“It is a tragic case,” Mr Varley said.
Mr Varley said we have all seen the devastating effects of family violence on people here in Solomon Islands.
“This is another tragic reminder that none of us in our community can tolerate or accept family violence and allow it to continue,” he said.
“At this stage, our heart goes out to the family affected particularly the children who have lost their mum.
“I call on community leaders and elders in local communities to work with people to explain and understand the serious consequences and ramification of family and domestic violence.”
He said the police are there to respond and assist and they have been working very hard over the past year or so with the implementation of the Family Protection Act.
“All community people and leaders need to take some ownership and responsibility to work with people who are in the local community and make them understand that family violence is a scourge in our community that we really need to work hard to eradicate.
“The sad reality here is seeing the tragic death of the mother and children left behind.
“We as police don’t want to see more of these cases so we appeal to community to have some serious conversation about family violence and how we can remove it from our society.”
Mr Varley said police are working hard on this case and investigation is ongoing.
He added that the post mortem of the deceased has been completed and they are waiting for forensic report.
Joseph Oai, 35, has been remanded in custody for the murder of his wife on Wednesday.
He will appear again in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court on May 24.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
