People in Luganville have received information on domestic abuse ahead of Christmas.

Today, people in Luganville received important awareness on domestic abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse and other forms of violence within the home, as the festive season approaches. The awareness was carried out through a joint effort between the Bible Society of the South Pacific, the Vanuatu Police Force and the Luganville Municipal Council.

Project Manager for Domestic Abuse at the Bible Society of the South Pacific, Mrs Renata Netaf, said the aim of the awareness was to remind people that the Christmas period can bring many pressures that may lead to different forms of abuse.

Mrs Netaf also said the awareness was conducted along the roadside, targeting people who were walking and doing Christmas shopping, so they could hear information that would help them celebrate Christmas in peace.

She said the message for the season is for families to spend time together, read the Bible and live according to biblical teachings. Police also gave talks, urging the public to remain peaceful and explaining the laws and penalties against men or women who commit domestic abuse and other forms of violence.

Police will continue their work throughout the festive season to ensure that all families celebrate Christmas in a safe and respectful manner, free from violence.