Man surrenders to police after partner’s death
A MAN surrendered to police yesterday after his female partner, who was admitted at the National Referral Hospital last Saturday, died on Tuesday.
Honiara police confirmed the man, whose name and ethnicity is yet to be released, gave himself up to police at 9.40am on Wednesday.
He is being held in police custody for questioning and no charges are being laid yet.
The 48-year-old woman, who is from Western Province, died after she was allegedly assaulted by her partner, last Saturday night.
Honiara City Police Commander Alfred Uiga thanked the man for giving himself up to police.
Mr Uiga said the death of the woman was tragic and something that should not happen within our communities if men learn to respect their wives and partners.
“Police will not tolerate domestic violence incidents that led to assault or killing of women.
“For this incident to happen after a similar incident just last month in Marau, east Guadalcanal, is truly concerning and the police will investigate and ensure justice is done.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs yesterday issued a statement condemning the violent act that led to the woman’s death.
“The acts of violence in the last couple of months have just confirmed the Ministry’s national research Family Health and Safety Study that 64% of women between ages 15 – 49 in Solomon Islands have experienced violence by their intimate partner – a husband or a boyfriend,” the statement said.
Minister responsible for women’s affairs Freda Tuki Soricomua calls on all husbands and boyfriends to start changing their behaviours towards their wives and girl-friends in finding non-violent solutions to their intimate problems and family issues.
“This call is also for women and girls too to respect their husbands and partners and to find non-violence solutions to their domestic issues,” Mrs Soricomua said.
She also called on the churches, community chiefs and leaders to work with government and the civil societies who are engage in programs to raise awareness to stop family violence and gender based violence, and service provision to support and protect victims of violence.
“Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights and it can only be put to an end by addressing its root causes – gender inequality and discrimination against women,” the minister said.
By LESLEY SANGA
