Curtis Palmer - Celebrity Swim to PNG

Three important things that make Rugby League Against Violence relevant. 1. Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world with Rugby League as the national sport. 2. That gender-based violence in PNG can be characterised as of epidemic proportions. 3. Though the National strategy has called for greater male involvement in the elimination of gender-based violence, activities utilising men as agents for change are very limited. Our first activities are with young people through our gala days and Junior League Mentoring Competition, with the aim of breaking the cycle of violence through the promotion of respectful relationships. We also invite community leagues to sign-up to a code of conduct, and compulsory gender-based violence and conflict resolution training. We are also training counselors to provide 4-day Relationship Counseling inside these communities and partnering with the Port Moresby Vipers and civic society organisations to provide a schools component. Additionally we are conducting a nation-wide Social Marketing and Awareness Campaign utilising our high profile ambassadors as positive male role models. RLAV works with communities and their leagues, local level government, village courts, non-government and community organisations and individuals in an effort to reduce all forms of violence, with a focus on gender-based violence. We believe in meaningful partnership between all.