A SURVIVOR of domestic violence has urged women, who’ve had to endure domestic violence, to seek help instead of living in fear.
Cavu Bogidrau shared her experiences of struggling with abuse during a candlelight vigil held at the British High Commissioner’s residence this week, organised as a part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
The widow and mother-of-seven told vigil attendees’ violence “rarely begins with a punch”.
“It often starts with control, manipulation, and silence that families and communities tend to overlook,” she said.
Ms Bogidrau said she endured repeated abuse throughout her married life, a cycle she only recognised after attending a gender-based violence awareness session.
Living with shame, guilt and hopelessness for many years and never speaking to anyone about her situation, she reached out to counsellors from Empower Pacific.
“They listened without judgement, and with their support I rebuilt my self-esteem, and started a small business,” Ms Bogidrau said.
Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam said obtaining survivor testimonies remained one of the organisation’s biggest challenges because of the fear, stigma, and trauma that the women victims of violence endured.
Mr Morgam said civil society organisations continued to work quietly with counsellors, responding to emergency calls through their 5626 helpline and providing help in the form of transport, food, and temporary accommodation.
He said Empower Pacific has a team of 47 staff in Fiji, including people who deal with cases of domestic violence and other crises.
The vigil brought together survivors, advocates and service providers who called for stronger support systems and greater awareness as gender-based violence continues to affect families and communities nationwide.
