A former employee of Grace Road Church (GRC) has detailed alarming allegations of severe physical abuse and mistreatment at the hands of supervisors. After spending eight years at the GRC-owned True Mart in Navua, the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims she faced what she describes as a form of “slavery” within the organization.
The Korean American national recounted her experience of receiving harsh punishments, which included being beaten with wooden sticks as a form of discipline for perceived disobedience or mistakes. She stated, “They use sticks, big, long wooden sticks and they hit you on the back of your legs. It stings and it hurts.” She further described brutal group beatings, where multiple people would join in, emphasizing the physical and psychological impact this had on her.
The catalyst for her escape came after she expressed disappointment over having to work late instead of seeing her young daughter. Following this incident, she received a thrashing from her supervisor, which left her head and neck in pain, raising concerns about a possible concussion.
The woman has reported these abuses to the Human Trafficking Unit of the Fiji Police Force, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, has confirmed that investigations are currently underway. She is also seeking assistance from the government to reunite with her two children, who remain at the GRC-operated farm.
As the investigation continues, the church has not yet responded to the allegations. This situation underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring the treatment of workers and ensuring accountability for any abuse.
While the situation remains distressing, there is hope that investigative efforts will lead to justice and improvements in the treatment of vulnerable individuals in such organizations. The transparency of these investigations could pave the way for reforms that prioritize the safety and well-being of all workers.
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