The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is calling for a thorough investigation into the Nadi Police’s handling of a tragic case involving a man who killed his wife and then took his own life. The incident, which occurred last Friday, raises significant concerns regarding the police’s response to domestic violence.

According to the FWCC, the man had been arrested the previous Wednesday for intimidating his wife but was released by police the following afternoon after being held overnight. The crisis center expressed that this failure to take necessary precautions directly contributed to the subsequent murder-suicide. “We believe the failed actions taken by Police in this case led to the murder,” the FWCC stated, emphasizing the critical need for systemic reforms and improved training within the police force to better equip officers in handling domestic violence situations.

The organization highlighted the alarming prevalence of domestic violence against women in Fiji, describing it as an epidemic. Nearly two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. “This highlights the urgency for existing laws protecting women and children against domestic violence to be effectively implemented,” the FWCC added. They stressed the importance of police being equipped to obtain domestic violence restraining orders and responding rapidly to reports of domestic violence.

Minister Lynda Tabuya has echoed these sentiments, advocating for immediate community action to address the ongoing violence against women. She has committed to supporting victims and ensuring resources, such as the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the National Domestic Violence Helpline, are accessible. Efforts to combat this crisis are also reflected in the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, which aims to create a safer environment for women and children across the nation.

This call for a comprehensive investigation not only addresses one specific tragedy but serves as a pivotal moment in the broader movement seeking to end violence against all women in Fiji, reigniting the dialogue for necessary reforms in law enforcement and community support systems. The commitment shown by governmental and non-governmental organizations brings hope for change and improved safety for women in the community.