The Regional Working Group on the Implementation of Domestic Violence/Family Protection Legislation (RWG), together with the Pacific Women’s Network to End Violence Against Women, launched the Regional Gender Based Violence Counselling Framework as part of GESI week at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat on 12 February 2026.
The Framework is a Pacific-led and Pacific-owned guidance designed to strengthen counselling standards for survivors of gender-based violence across the region.
It is a culmination of years of collaboration between RWG member governments, crisis centres from across the Pacific region, counsellors and civil society organisations, responding to widespread challenges identified by countries in implementing domestic violence laws.
Prior to this work, only three Pacific countries had national GBV counselling standards in place: Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati.
Developed through extensive consultations in Kiribati, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, and guided by the lived experiences and voices of survivors, the Framework establishes minimum standards for ethical, safe and survivor centred counselling practice.
It provides clear guidance on confidentiality, safeguarding, professional conduct and accountability for all service providers, from government counsellors to women’s crisis centres and faith-based organisations centred counselling practice.
Speaking at the launch, alternate Chair to the outgoing Chair of RWG, Livai Sovau, Legal Adviser for the Department of Women and Social Development Affairs, Government of Nauru, emphasised the significance of the milestone:
“This Framework reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every survivor of violence is met with dignity, respect and professional care, no matter which country they are in. It is Pacific-built, tested, and will help 13 RWG member states and governments strengthen or establish national counselling standards that protect our families and communities”
Chair of the Pacific Women’s Network to End Violence Against Women, Shamima Ali, highlighted the power of this partnership and its meaning for frontline workers across the region:
“For decades, crisis centres have been the backbone of safe, confidential support for survivors, often operating with limited resources but with deep commitment. This Framework brings governments and civil society together around shared standards that put survivors first. It is a milestone for our region, a testament to our collective strength, and a tool that will help ensure no survivor is ever left without safe, ethical support.”
SPC’s Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women and Girls, Mereseini Rakuita, reflected on the deeper regional significance of the Framework:
“This Framework is a major milestone for our region. With 2 in 3 Pacific women experiencing violence, it is essential that our laws are backed by safe, rights-based, survivor centred services. This Framework strengthens our ability to turn commitments into action and ensure real protection for women and girls across our Blue Pacific.”
Both the RWG and the Network acknowledged the Government of New Zealand, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for its long-term support which enabled the consultative process, drafting and validation of the Framework. They also recognised the Pacific Community (SPC) for its coordination and leadership as Secretariat to the RWG throughout the development of this regional resource.
As countries move to adapt the Framework nationally, partners emphasised that it will play a critical role in strengthening domestic violence legislation, improving service quality and ensuring consistent, accountable support for survivors across the region.
“This is a gift from Pacific governments and CSOs to our people,” added Sovau “Together, we have created something that will protect lives, strengthen services and ensure that our region continues to progress, our way, for our people.”
