The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has reported an alarming increase in domestic violence cases, with 236 new incidents recorded within the past three months. The centre’s coordinator, Shamima Ali, made a passionate address at the funeral of Karishma Chaudhary, a 28-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by her de facto partner in Nadi. Ali urged men present at the funeral to acknowledge the grave consequences of their actions and to stop perpetuating violence against women.
The tragic death of Chaudhary is part of a broader, troubling pattern in Fiji. Over the past twelve years, 56 women have lost their lives due to domestic violence, averaging nearly five fatalities each year. Ali implored men to serve as role models, calling for a cultural shift away from silence and inaction against domestic abuse. She emphasized that the community must come together to support victims and refrain from accepting violence as normal behavior, insisting that cultural and religious excuses for such actions must end.
Ali noted that help is readily available through the FWCC, which offers a 24-hour toll-free helpline at 1560 for those in need. This tragic event highlights the urgent necessity for societal change and decisive action to combat domestic violence in Fiji. By fostering a supportive and proactive community, there remains hope for a future where safety and dignity for all are upheld.
These recent incidents, along with the statistics that show nearly two-thirds of women in Fiji experience violence during their lifetime, underscore the critical need for increased awareness and action to address domestic violence effectively. The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, initiated in June 2023, aims to foster safer environments, providing a pathway toward change and empowerment for all individuals in Fiji.
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