Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has urged Fijians to seek help in the wake of multiple tragic incidents related to domestic violence. Her statement follows reports of a murder-suicide in Suva, another violent assault on a woman in Suva, and a separate incident in Nadi where a man allegedly wounded his wife. These events have left families devastated and children orphaned, underscoring the urgent necessity to confront and eradicate violence in homes.
Kiran emphasized that these deaths could have been prevented, expressing sorrow for the emotional scars inflicted on innocent children who have lost their parents. “This is a painful reality we must confront, and I call on every Fijian to join in a collective commitment to zero tolerance of all forms of violence,” she stated.
To combat this ongoing crisis, Kiran advocated for the establishment of community prevention committees to educate residents, early intervention in conflicts, and de-escalation tactics to prevent situations from escalating into violence. She encouraged individuals caught in abusive relationships to reach out for support, emphasizing that violence is never a solution.
“In our efforts to foster a culture of respect and safety, we must recognize that separating amicably and with dignity can sometimes be the best choice,” she added, reiterating the importance of communal responsibility in creating safer environments.
Collective action is needed to break the cycle of violence in Fiji. Recent discussions have emphasized the critical role of community involvement in addressing domestic violence, echoing sentiments from previous statements by officials highlighting the shocking statistics that indicate nearly two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetimes.
These proactive recommendations from Kiran reflect a hopeful commitment to transforming Fiji into a safer haven for all citizens, ensuring that every home is a place of safety, compassion, and respect. The ongoing efforts to establish support systems and educational initiatives reaffirm a collective resolve to tackle this urgent issue and help pave the way for a brighter future for vulnerable individuals in the nation.
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