17 February 2009

PNG addresses sex abuse

Lae, Papua New Guinea
Melody Tan/Matupit Darius

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has begun post-production on a film that highlights the issues surrounding child sex abuse in the nation.

The as-yet-untitled film tells the true story of three children who were sexually abused by close relatives. It then goes on to educate children and parents on how to prevent abuse from happening in their homes.

Judith Nagamisovo, director of children's ministries for the Adventist Church in PNG, initiated the project after counselling many children and adults who were sexually abused.

"Child sex abuse is a big problem but is not discussed in public because of the shame involved," says Ms Nagamisovo.

This is the third DVD that the PNGUM has produced for the public. The first two, O Papa God Why Na Em Olsem and Em Rong Blo Mi Yet created awareness for and addressed issues surrounding HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea.

A scene from the film of children at a camp worship. In the story, one of the boys later confides to the pastor that he was being molested.

According to Matupit Darius, communication director of PNGUM and production director of the child sex abuse DVD, filming has been more demanding on this project.

"Child sex abuse is a very sensitive issue because of the stigma associated with it. We had great difficulty in recruiting actors for the main characters because people do not want to be associated with child sex abuse," he says.

The film is being produced by Higher Ground Ministry, based in Pacific Adventist University.

The film is expected to be released on DVD in April.