Fiji’s Domestic Violence Crisis: A Call to Action for Change

Fiji’s Domestic Violence Crisis: A Call to Action for Change

Six children have been left without parental care and emotionally scarred after a tragic weekend marked by a rise in domestic violence incidents in Fiji. Women, Children, and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran addressed this grave situation during her ministerial speech, expressing deep condolences to the families affected by these heartbreaking events, which highlight the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the nation.

Minister Kiran stated that domestic violence remains a pervasive problem, with many cases going unreported. In Fiji, the statistics are alarming—two out of three women face violence from their intimate partners, a figure significantly higher than the global average of one in three. A study conducted last year by Dr. Lice Soraurau Vaniqi in Nadi revealed that, of 345 women surveyed at a maternity clinic, 247 reported experiences of domestic violence, with 13% indicating that they endured physical abuse during pregnancy.

The recent surge in violence has prompted calls for urgent community action. Minister Kiran highlighted the necessity of establishing community prevention committees that can educate and offer early interventions in potential domestic disputes to prevent escalation into violence. She urged individuals caught in abusive relationships to reach out for support and emphasized that violence is never a solution.

This tragic weekend followed other recent incidents of domestic violence that have left families in mourning, including a murder-suicide in Suva and a severe assault on a woman. Kiran reinforced the need for collective efforts to confront this crisis, stressing that real change must come from both community involvement and comprehensive national policies.

The government’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, are aimed at creating a safer environment for all. The hope remains that through collaborative community efforts, Fiji can work towards eradicating domestic violence and ensuring that every home becomes a sanctuary of safety, compassion, and respect.


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