In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Jo Chandler presents a devastating picture of the endemic violence against women in Papua New Guinea. She highlights the courageous efforts of PNG civil society to change attitudes and assist the victims, and the role Australia is playing to help PNG address the problem.

Key findings:

• Violence against women is not only a humanitarian concern but also a significant obstacle to PNG’s development and prosperity.
• There are economic, social, and cultural drivers of violence and women face immense hurdles in obtaining justice.
• The Australian Government should make the issue a regular and prominent feature of the bilateral agenda and press the PNG Government to take greater responsibility for the problem