A former employee of Grace Road Church (GRC) has come forward with alarming allegations of abuse, claiming that workers are subjected to severe physical punishment if they fail to comply with orders or make errors. The woman, a Korean American who spent eight years working at the GRC-owned True Mart in Navua, described her experiences as akin to “slavery.”
In her testimony, which she provided under the condition of anonymity, the woman recounted instances of being physically assaulted with sticks and subjected to group beatings by multiple individuals. She claimed that such punishments were framed by church officials as a means to bring them closer to God. The emotional toll of these experiences was evident as she described the fear and demoralization that accompanied the abuse.
The woman detailed her ordeal of being physically punished after questioning a supervisor about being required to work late instead of spending time with her young daughter. Despite feeling disappointed, she complied with the demands, only to be met with aggression the next day, resulting in painful thrashings.
In light of these serious allegations, the woman reported the incidents to the Human Trafficking Unit of the Fiji Police Force. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed that they are actively investigating the claims. Additionally, the woman is seeking assistance from the government to reunite with her children, who remain at the Grace Road Navua farm.
While the church has yet to respond to these grave allegations, the situation highlights the importance of addressing claims of worker abuse and the need for protective measures for vulnerable individuals. This incident serves as a reminder for authorities and organizations to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect, and it shines a light on the critical work developed to combat human trafficking and exploitation.
In an era where awareness of workers’ rights is growing, there is hope that this investigation will lead to meaningful changes and an end to abusive practices, allowing for a safer environment for all workers. There is a collective call for compassion, justice, and reform, ensuring that no one has to endure such treatment in the future.
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