The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has raised concerns about the resurgence of traditional reconciliation practices that they believe are negatively impacting the reporting and prosecution of serious violence against women. Shamima Ali, the FWCC Coordinator, emphasized that despite years of advocacy, a narrative has emerged suggesting that domestic and sexual violence can be resolved through methods such as family, faith, and culture, rather than through the justice system.
Ali’s statement highlights a troubling trend where certain police officers are allegedly promoting reconciliation efforts instead of pursuing proper investigations in abuse cases. She believes this practice not only hampers the reporting of crimes but also puts undue pressure on survivors to forgive their abusers, even in the face of serious offenses.
The coordinator illustrated the problem by referencing interactions with police, stating, “We have got a police liaison officer, we have got our counsellors, and so the police liaison officer goes and says, what happened to this case and he hears from senior officers saying that has been reconciled. Who reconciled them? We did. That’s not their business.” This underscores her assertion that survivors maintain the right to report offenses, independent of any reconciliation that may have occurred.
Elina Cagilaba, a supervisor at FWCC, further noted that reconciliation attempts often take place before survivors seek formal assistance. She expressed concern that survivors frequently have little say in these reconciliations, stating, “It’s just like something that is done just to, you know, to maintain maybe that good relationship.”
In light of these allegations, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has urged the FWCC to provide specific evidence regarding cases in which police officers may have acted inappropriately.
This situation emphasizes the critical need for accountability and understanding within law enforcement regarding the complexities of domestic violence cases. It also reflects the ongoing challenge of ensuring that survivors are empowered to report crimes without fear of coercion or pressure. As advocacy continues, there remains hope that positive changes can ensure the safety and rights of survivors are prioritized.
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