Authorities are currently searching for a man suspected of causing the death of his partner yesterday. The victim succumbed to injuries inflicted by the suspect, who remained at large as of last night.
The couple reportedly lived in a rented residence on Albert Lee Place, a neighborhood off Nailuva Road in Suva. The incident was brought to light by another resident of the home, who alerted her partner, leading to a police report.
Police confirmed they are investigating the case, and a post-mortem examination will help establish the cause of death.
The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection expressed its sorrow and outrage in a statement regarding this tragic event. The ministry called for prompt justice for the victim and urged collective action from society to prevent such incidents in the future.
In the statement, they affirmed their support for the victim’s family and all those affected by this alarming violence. It noted that this incident occurred just five months after another woman died in a similar manner in April.
The statement highlighted the ongoing issue of violence against women and girls in Fiji, revealing that nearly two out of three women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lives.
The ministry stressed that this violence must come to an end, encouraging every individual, family, and community to collaborate in preventing violence against women and girls. They called for ensuring that homes, neighborhoods, and communities are safe and respectful environments.
Minister Lynda Tabuya described the loss as unacceptable and heartbreaking, assuring women and girls that they are not alone and that help is accessible through the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, the National Domestic Violence Helpline (1560), and the Child Helpline (1325). She emphasized that no woman should live in fear and pledged to fight for justice for the victim.
The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (Fiji NAP PVAWG), introduced in June 2023, is a fundamental component of Fiji’s strategy to address this pressing issue.