When Litia walked into the counseling room at Medical Services Pacific (MSP), she had carried the burden of violence she endured for years without sharing it with anyone. With just a whisper, she expressed, “I just need a safe place.” For a long time, Litia had tried to suppress the trauma she experienced until it became unbearable.
MSP’s trauma-informed counselors were ready to support her. In the safe environment they offered, Litia received crisis counseling, medical care, and ongoing emotional support. For the first time in years, she felt genuinely heard—free from shame, judgment, and fear.
Reflecting on her journey, Litia revealed that the comprehensive support allowed her to “breathe again, not just survive.” Over time, through peer-support sessions, she discovered not only a path to healing but also a renewed sense of purpose. Now, she helps other women understand that reaching out for help is a courageous act of self-care rather than a sign of weakness.
The Women’s Fund Fiji, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has prioritized counseling support under its Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) initiative. Through collaborations with organizations like MSP and Transcend Oceania, the Fund is committed to ensuring that survivors have access to safe, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed services.
MSP employs a One-Stop-Shop model that combines counseling, medical care, and legal assistance in one location, providing survivors with holistic help. Since their partnership with the Women’s Fund Fiji began in 2018, MSP has reached more than 327,861 individuals—including women, girls, men, boys, and gender-diverse persons—in regions such as Suva, Labasa, and Lautoka. In 2024, MSP held 218 outreach and awareness sessions, engaging thousands in discussions on gender-based violence prevention, health, and rights, involving over 14,000 women, 1,600 girls, and 8,000 men.
Addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence in Fiji, MSP acknowledges the numerous barriers survivors often face, including stigma, shame, limited service access, and fear of retaliation. Through committed investments in counseling and integrated support, the Women’s Fund Fiji, together with DFAT’s contributions, is working to dismantle these barriers. Survivors such as Litia are no longer merely enduring their circumstances; they are healing, evolving, and emerging as catalysts for change within their communities. This shift not only empowers individual survivors but also fosters a supportive environment for future generations.
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