Dili, 23 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) Conducts Awareness Session in Bebonuk Village to Strengthen Community Awareness for Peace and Friendship in a Unified Environment, Free from Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crimes.
According to Police Superintendent, Head of the Community Policing Department, Helena das Dores Alves said, domestic violence rates are extremely high, hrough this program, they aim to identify problems in communities and deliver training to families.
“Domestic violence is extremely high in the areas I mentioned. That’s why, through this program, we identify the problems and possibilities that can be used in villages and among communities. We need this, because now in the modern digital era, people spread propaganda and don’t respect each other on digital media. We also have to provide training on how to stay safe through social media in the digital space. We also talk about the gender equality program so we can look again at domestic violence, and at women and children who have been victims. Then we can share information so our communities can hear it and pass the training on to families and children. That way they can understand that violence occurring in families is very widespread, but people are afraid to speak out. Sometimes parents beat children who aren’t responsible, but the risk is very serious and aggravated when those children are minors. So we need to pay close attention. We also look at the environment our program talks about natural disaster and environmental issues. So all departments under PNTL each come to deliver their responsibilities through this information.” said Superintendent of the Community Policing Department, Helena das Dores Alves, in Bebonuk Village (21/04/2026).
On the other hand, Bebonuk Village Chief Alfredo da Costa expressed gratitude and pride to the Dili Municipality Commander and also the General Commander for being able to conduct the awareness session, and that through this awareness session it can benefit the communities.
“The awareness session held today in Bebonuk Village, on behalf of Bebonuk Village, on behalf of the community, we are very proud and very grateful to the Dili Municipality Commander and indeed the General Commander for being able to hold this awareness session here. From this awareness session I believe that through this awareness it can bring great benefit to the communities, because through the information the community received today, they will pass it on to those who didn’t come to participate. Today in this awareness session we talked about prevention in Bebonuk the level of conflict has now gone down, but the major issues are domestic violence and sexual abuse. But these cases don’t just stop in Bebonuk Village. When a case happens, I myself with the OPS directly take it and process it. Therefore, for the community members who came here today, I believe that the community will continue to maintain and listen carefully. When we encounter cases like sexual abuse or domestic violence.” said Bebonuk Village Chief Alfredo da Costa.
In addition, Bebonuk Village community representative Faustino da Silva said he feels proud because they were able to receive this awareness session to strengthen peace in Bebonuk Village and to share the information with community members who did not participate.
“I feel proud and appreciate the PNTL who have already shared this awareness session, especially in Bebonuk Village. As a community member I feel proud of the PNTL who have already provided awareness and dissemination of information about the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault crimes and creating peace in the community. As youth and community members who heard the information today, we can pass it on to other young people who did not participate in this awareness session.” said community member Faustino da Silva.
The Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) carried out an awareness activity in the Bebonuk Village community to raise awareness about crime prevention, especially domestic violence and sexual assault. In this activity, PNTL provided information about legal consequences, victims’ rights, and the importance of reporting cases to competent authorities. The objective of this awareness session is to prevent crime, protect community members, and strengthen cooperation between police and the community.
Report By: Trainees Novita and Leozalia
Photo By: Trainee Leozalia