Fiji’s National Domestic Violence Helpline is experiencing a significant increase in calls from women facing coercive control, financial abuse, and restricted access to essential services. This rise in demand for support comes as the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection highlights the multi-faceted nature of vulnerability in the country. Minister Sashi Kiran explained that while not every call leads to police or health referrals, most inquiries are directed toward counseling services, notably through the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and its regional branches.
The National Domestic Violence Helpline, which offers free support at 1560, reported numerous instances of abuse, with victims often facing not only physical but emotional and verbal violence from partners, landlords, and family members. The ministry also noted an uptick in inquiries from bystanders seeking advice on how to assist or report violence for friends or loved ones.
Recent statistics emphasize that around two-thirds of women in Fiji have faced intimate partner violence, a situation compounded by systemic societal issues that silence victims. Stressing the urgency of these issues, Kiran pointed to the statistics showing prevalent domestic violence as a critical concern for the government and society at large.
Additionally, the helpline has received a growing number of calls concerning child abuse and rape. The ministry has urged for expanded frontline services that can adequately address the needs of women and families across the nation, underlining the importance of community involvement in tackling domestic violence.
Past incidents, including tragic fatalities related to domestic violence, further illuminate the dire need for societal change. Community leaders, along with government officials, are actively advocating for a cultural shift in addressing these deeply ingrained issues, encouraging proactive discussion and intervention strategies among families and community organizations.
While Fiji currently faces significant challenges in preventing domestic violence, there is a hopeful movement toward transformation through education and community engagement. Initiatives such as the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls aim to create safer environments and empower individuals to advocate for change, fostering a brighter future where all can thrive free from fear and violence.
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