A tragic weekend in Fiji has drawn attention to the acute issue of domestic violence in the country, resulting in the deaths of three women and leaving another seriously injured. Events began at the Lagilagi Housing complex in Suva, where a couple was found dead in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide, following reports of a domestic dispute. Witness Lili Duwai described the scene as terrifying, recalling the sounds of children crying amidst the chaos.
In a separate incident in Nadi, 28-year-old Karishma Chaudhry, who was pregnant with her fifth child, was discovered with fatal stab wounds in her home. Her partner, a 47-year-old taxi driver, has since been arrested in connection with her death. The heartbreaking situation was compounded by the presence of three of her children, who reportedly witnessed the horrific attack.
Moreover, police also found a seriously injured woman outside an apartment complex in Suva, who was promptly taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Investigations are ongoing, and police are actively searching for her assailant.
These recent events underscore the shocking rise in domestic violence within Fiji, a country where nearly two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, labeled these events as “tragic and gut-wrenching,” insisting that the nation must regard domestic violence as a national emergency. Emphasizing that these deaths are preventable, Kiran urged for collective action to combat violence within homes and communities.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre echoed this sentiment, calling for urgent leadership and prompt actions to address the crisis. Director Shamima Ali stated, “These deaths were preventable. We must stop making excuses. Enough is enough.”
In efforts to combat such violence, the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls was launched in June 2023, aiming to foster safe environments through community involvement and support systems.
These incidents serve as a somber reminder of the pressing need for initiatives to curb violence in Fiji, highlighting the importance of collective action and community support in creating nurturing and safe environments for all citizens.
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