In Fiji, the domestic violence helpline, 1560, is taking a proactive stance in managing high-risk situations with highly trained frontline staff. The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasized that helpline responders are equipped with ongoing support and training, emphasizing a trauma-informed and survivor-focused approach. This comprehensive training aims to address the complexity and sensitivity of domestic violence cases, ensuring that responders can act safely and appropriately.
The helpline, managed by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), is part of a larger integrated effort to provide core training in areas such as risk assessment and survivor-centered care. Kiran highlighted the importance of collaborating with organizations like UN Women and UNFPA to provide effective in-house training. Furthermore, the ministry upholds a confidentiality policy and a do-no-harm principle for all cases handled.
This initiative aligns with previous reports indicating a concerning rise in domestic violence cases across Fiji, urging a collective response from the government and community. Recent data shows alarming statistics, with around two-thirds of women experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The ongoing efforts to foster community awareness and educate public servants about these critical issues underline the systematic change that Fiji is striving for, particularly through the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, launched in June 2023.
It is heartening to see the unwavering commitment from the government and various stakeholders to combat domestic violence. Their combined efforts will hopefully lead to a safer, more supportive environment, allowing women and children to live free from fear and fostering a culture of respect and awareness in Fiji.
Leave a comment