There is a significant “conspiracy of silence” that prioritizes the protection of abusers rather than the victims of abuse, according to Shamima Ali, coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. In a recent interview, Ali highlighted how family members and religious leaders often pressure victims to remain silent about their experiences instead of reporting the abuse.
She explained, “We call it the conspiracy of silence because everyone conspires to prevent her from reporting her husband, discouraging her from going to the police.” Ali noted that societal norms often invoke the argument of the abuser as the “breadwinner,” leading to additional pressure on victims. This pressure extends to the police, who may ask the victim if they really want to complain against their husband and question who will provide for the family if the abuser is removed.
Despite the establishment of various organizations aimed at raising awareness and providing support for women, Ali asserts that this silence continues to persist in many communities. “While things are changing gradually thanks to organizations that listen and act according to the victim’s wishes, the conspiracy of silence remains strong,” she said.
Ali further emphasized that when it comes to cases of sexual violence, particularly rape or child abuse, the conspiracy becomes more profound. “Most perpetrators are individuals in trusted positions, such as fathers, relatives, and grandfathers,” she remarked, pointing out that society often tends to protect these offenders instead of supporting the victims.
“What society ultimately does is protect the perpetrator rather than the victim-survivor, and this needs to change,” Ali concluded.