Guam- New Zealand Police have teamed up with the Guam Police Department and other law enforcement agencies from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for a special two week course that deals with domestic violence in the pacific.
The course is being held at the Ramada Inn. Programme Manager Cam Ronald says they are working with 21 police forces around the pacific to help them deal better with domestic violence and give victims access to justice. He mentions this is the first “train the trainer” program being held on island, but adds they have been conducting other training workshops with GPD. When the course is completed, Ronald says the attendants will become training officers and take back what they’ve learned to their islands to teach others in November. He notes every country is different, but the same things apply when dealing with domestic violence.
“Every country is different as to how they approach it,” said Ronald. “Every country has different levels of resources and the number of staff and things. But we know the same things apply. That most victims don’t come to the police until things get really bad. Many of them have experienced violence for 10 to 12 years before they call the police and this may be the only chance for the police.”
Ronald says New Zealand Police have been working with Guam since 2007. They also just started working with Australian Federal Police this year. He mentions they will be more present over the next 4 to 5 years with an Australian Federal Police officer on Guam providing resources for the pacific.
