Caritas PNG Holds Media Sensitisation Workshop in Goroka to Guide Sensitive SARV Reporting

Goroka, Eastern Highlands: On the first day of a three day Media Sensitisation Workshop in goroka, Caritas PNG brings together mainstream media practitioners and regional representatives from the Social Communications Commission (SOCOM) from across the Highlands to participate and develop a national media guideline for reporting on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), a sensitive yet urgent issue facing communities across Papua New Guinea.

Secretary for CBC/SOCOM, Sr Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine, MSC being vocal about the sensitivity of SARV reporting during the Media Sensitisation Worshop in Goroka.

One of the central presenters was Sr Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine, MSC, Secretary for Social Communications Commission at the Catholic Bishop Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands.

On the first day she asked participants to reflect on a simple but powerful question: “What is Communication?” From there she unpacked the fundamentals and the elements of communication, underscoring why a clear understanding of basic communication is crucial when reporting on SARV.

“Communication is much more than words,” Sr Daisy told the workshop. “It is about dignity giving attention, being focused, and honouring every person’s story.”

Sr Daisy urged journalists to guard against distractions and to maintain focus, reminding them that reporting on SARV cases demands sensitivity and care. She emphasized the responsibility reporters carry when dealing with vulnerable individuals and communities.

Group exercise with the participants during the workshop.

As she explained, ethical reporting of vulnerable people, especially those accused under SARV, must uphold dignity and avoid sensationalism. Drawing on global best practices, she encouraged media personnel to obtain informed consent, treat all persons with respect, and avoid language or images that stigmatize or dehumanize.

“Everyone is made in the image and likeness of God” , said Sr Daisy

“Our dignity is very important and should not be taken away,” she concluded, urging media to always remember the human being behind every story.”

The workshop comes at a time when reporting on SARV in PNG has drawn increasing scrutiny. Such coverage, if done poorly, can risk retraumatizing victims, inflaming community tensions or endangering vulnerable people.