There is a significant issue of silence surrounding the protection of abusers rather than victims, according to Shamima Ali, coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. In a recent interview, Ms. Ali explained that familial and religious pressures often deter victims from reporting abuse. She described this dynamic as a “conspiracy of silence,” where individuals are encouraged not to disclose wrongdoing by their partners or take their cases to the authorities.
“This approach is influenced by the idea that it is her husband, and people often cite the ‘breadwinner argument’ without considering the severity of the actions,” stated Ms. Ali. She added that even law enforcement can contribute to this mentality by questioning whether the woman truly wants to report her husband, emphasizing the concern of who would support the family financially.
Ms. Ali noted that women face immense pressure from various sources, including family members and religious leaders, discouraging them from seeking help and promoting the idea of maintaining family unity. “No matter where she looks for guidance, she is often advised that the decision lies with the police,” she said.
Despite the establishment of numerous organizations aimed at raising awareness and providing support, the conspiracy of silence persists within communities. “While we are beginning to see some changes as organizations become more attuned to women’s needs, the conspiracy remains strong,” she explained.
The issue is exacerbated when it comes to sexual violence, including rape and child abuse, as the perpetrators are often individuals in positions of trust, such as fathers or relatives. Ms. Ali emphasized that society tends to protect the abuser instead of the victim, highlighting the need for a shift in focus to support those who have suffered from such crimes.