Many individuals are hesitant to report serious issues such as domestic violence and drug-related incidents to authorities. Vani Catanasiga, the executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), noted that this reluctance is largely due to a widespread fear of stigma and the social consequences that may arise.
“Some survivors prefer not to attend events in certain locations because they perceive the local authorities as unfriendly,” she explained. Catanasiga indicated that this problem exists not just locally, but on a national scale as well.
“There are times when communities choose to handle specific issues independently rather than involving the relevant authorities,” she added.
In response to the challenge of unreported cases, she mentioned the establishment of a community feedback hub. “It’s an online reporting system where individuals can send messages via text, Viber, or Messenger. We then work to address the concerns raised,” she stated.
Catanasiga highlighted that most issues reported through the feedback hub relate to the services provided by particular authorities. “We have received requests from the public to limit access to certain authorities due to concerns about the safety of those who report,” she said, noting that this issue has been discussed with senior personnel in relevant agencies.