Tackling Domestic Violence: FWCC and Fiji Police Join Forces

The Fiji Women Crisis Centre (FWCC) has commenced an important dialogue with newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, to tackle urgent concerns surrounding violence against women and girls in Fiji. Following their recent meeting, FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali underscored the imperative for a robust zero-tolerance policy towards domestic violence incidents, noting that many previous complaints have not been adequately handled.

Ali highlighted a concerning trend in which some police officers may not take domestic violence reports seriously enough, insisting on the need for stringent measures against any police personnel found to be perpetrators themselves. This approach is vital to ensure that all reports are treated with the necessary gravity and to advocate for response protocols that are sensitive to the issues at hand.

In their discussions, Ali suggested implementing training sessions for frontline police officers, aiming to provide them with the best practices for responding to violence against women. Commissioner Tudravu expressed his support for this initiative, recognizing the FWCC as a crucial ally in reforming police practices. He acknowledged the necessity of ongoing collaboration to standardize procedures in addressing violence against women and girls, emphasizing the need for actionable training and the sharing of information between the organizations.

This conversation also echoes prior criticisms voiced by Ali regarding the lack of adequate training and recruitment within the police force, with specific reference to the “No Drop” policy meant to ensure thorough investigation of all domestic violence complaints. The ongoing dialogue reflects a critical need for reforms to enhance police training practices, enabling better protection for vulnerable individuals.

The commitment from both the FWCC and the police to improve responses and ensure accountability reflects a growing optimism about enhancing safety for women in Fiji. These collaborative efforts signal a hopeful journey towards a more effective and empathetic law enforcement response to domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in creating a safer environment for all.