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DE RUEHPB #0030/01 0540420
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 230420Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5808
INFO RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY IMMEDIATE 3456

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 PORT MORESBY 000030 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR S/GWI AND EAP/ANP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KWMN PREL KPAO PHUM AID CDC COM TRSY PP
SUBJECT: S/GWI PROJECT PROPOSALS - SOLOMON ISLANDS 
 
REF: STATE 132094, STATE 012531 
 
¶1.  Embassy Port Moresby is pleased to submit a proposal 
received from the Family Support Center - To Address the Issues 
of the Center's Security, limited Campaigning and Setting up of 
a Database as Solomon Islands first preference from post. 
 
 
 
¶2.  PROJECT SUMMARY 
 
The proposed program to address the issues of the center's 
security, limited campaigning and setting up a database is as 
follows; 
 
 
 
(A) Center Security: Improvements to the center's 
infrastructure: 
 
-Construction of a secure entrance 
 
-Increase number of security guards 
 
-Create escape routes 
 
 
 
(B) Conduct regular, targeted and more frequent information and 
awareness campaigns in Honiara and the provinces, using a range 
of media activities, including posters, leaflets, and radio, 
stickers, drama, newspaper and TV placements. 
 
 
 
(C) Set up a database.  Purchase a computer system, hire 
database expert to work with centre staff and stakeholders to 
ensure the relevance and efficiency of a data base and train a 
dedicated worker responsible for data entry, analysis and 
production and dissemination of reports. A communication 
strategy would be developed with stakeholders. 
 
 
 
 
 
¶3.   PROJECT DESCRIPTION 
 
Project will commence in April 2010 and end on October 2011. 
 
 
 
(A) Specific Activity 
 
-Improve entrance security; increase number of paid security 
guards, and improve infrastructure by creating escape exists 
 
-In conjunction with stakeholders, plan, organize and conduct 
campaigns throughout the year to maintain a focus on GBV and 
lobby for positive changes in legislation, policy and GBV 
activities 
 
-Engage database consultant and stakeholders to determine data 
required and communication strategy. Computer system purchased 
and database developed. FSC staff trained in data entry and use 
of database and data gathering systems, establish and operations. 
 
 
 
 
 
(B)  Desired Outcome 
 
-Victims feel more confident to come to the center to take 
advantage of centre services. Staffs are protected and less 
vulnerable to angry/violent partners and family members. The 
centre provides a model for other services. 
 
-Increase number of campaigns reaching the provinces. More 
people are aware of the issues of GBV and become involved in 
change. Campaigns can be specifically targeted, for example, 
nightclubs and bars. Increase access to information. Development 
of impact assessment processes and maintained interest in GBV 
issues 
 
-Client data collected and captured. Reports produced and 
disseminated to key stakeholders and media. FSC becomes more 
effective in identifying and responding to GBV trends and 
targeting services and campaigns. Capacity-building and 
expertise is developed within FSC 
 
 
 
 
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(C)  Performance Measures 
 
-Increase number of client using the center, increase number of 
referrals and decrease in violent incidents that target the 
center, staff and clients 
 
-Numbers of people taking part in campaigns. Number of 
campaigns, Number of leaflets/posters distributed. Evidence of 
change for instance, increase number of male participating in 
campaigns to stop violence against women 
 
-Number of reports produced and disseminated. Reports used to 
promote change and awareness. National and provincial responses 
to GBV increased and improved. Improvement in research and 
analysis of GBV issues. 
 
 
 
 
 
¶4.  BUDGET 
 
Increase Center's Security: $20,000.00 
 
Information and Awareness Campaigns: $30,000.00 
 
Setup of a Database: $20,000.00 
 
Total: $70,000.00 
 
 
 
¶5.   RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION 
 
The Family Support Center was set up in 1995 in Honiara the 
capital of Solomon Islands to address the high incidence of 
gender based violence (domestic violence, child abuse and sexual 
abuse) in the country. The Center offers support to families and 
individuals over the age of 15 which experience gender based 
violence and abuse, through counseling and legal advice and 
assistance, training and community awareness, and a resource 
library. The center is committed to improving the quality of 
life in Solomon Islands by promoting awareness of women and 
children and people's right to live in peaceful, non- violent 
and non-abusive families, and support to empower individuals to 
make decisions that allow them to enjoy safety in their lives. 
During the ethnic crisis between 1998 and 2000, the Family 
Support Center was the only local NGO which continued to provide 
services in constrained and difficult situations, predominantly 
providing support to women who were victims of gender based 
violence occurring during the social unrest.  However, the 
center also offered their services to a range of others affected 
by the conflict including militants and police officers. 
 
 
 
The center is dedicated to raising the status of women and 
children through the delivery of its services, and the 
commitment of their 6 full-time trained staff, centre manager, 
counselor, admin/receptionist, 2 community trainers, and finance 
officer. They have supported women, children and families 
through legal assistance and counseling, and students and 
members of the public who come to the Center to use our resource 
library. They have worked closely with village elders, church, 
women leaders and youth leaders on these issues in rural 
communities in and around Solomon Islands. Over the years, they 
have had increasing numbers of women, children and youth who 
come to the center for assistance. For example between 2003 and 
2005, FSC had a 3 fold increase in direct services to non legal 
clients (Counseling, research, general inquiry and collection of 
resource materials) and a 5 fold increase in direct legal 
clients which includes women seeking protection order, 
restraining order, maintenance, separation etc.  From 2005 to 
2009, the center has directly assisted over 2,000 clients 
(predominantly female) mainly related to domestic violence and 
sexual assault and many people in indirect ways through 
workshops, drama and media presentations. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
They have a Board of 5 Trustees who represents counseling 
expertise, community and youth issues, legal issues and senior 
female police officer from the RSIPF (Royal Solomon Islands 
Police Force) Sexual Offenses Unit, and the government who 
oversee the smooth running of the Center and, in consultation 
and dialogue with the staff, are the decision makers on policy 
 
PORT MORES 00000030  003 OF 003 
 
 
and funding. 
 
 
 
Our Project Implementation for the last 5 years is currently 
funded by Oxfam Australia which focuses on the internal 
managerial and administrative strengthening of the center. Since 
the Family Support Center was established, it has been a policy 
for every staff member working in Crisis Management to undergo 
training programs offered by the Women's Crisis Center in Suva, 
Fiji. This and other specialized training is specifically 
designed to increase staff capacity and give a broader and 
clearer understanding of issues relating to gender based 
violence and sensitizing crisis staff to effectively deal, work, 
advocate and support victims of violence and abuse.   Therefore, 
FSC is committed to improving the quality of services provided 
through building the capacity of its staff and implementing 
relevant and useful activities. 
 
 
 
¶6.      Proposal has endorsement of the Solomon Islands Ministry 
of Women, Youth and Children Affairs responsible for gender 
issues. 
BERG