Outrage and heartbreak have followed the brutal death of a government worker, sparking urgent calls to end the deadly silence surrounding domestic violence in Fiji.
The tragic killing of Sainimere Tuinasakea, a Department of Immigration staff member, has led to a wave of condemnation and demands for action — including from the highest levels of government.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) issued strong responses following Tuinasakea’s death.
PSC chairman Luke Rokovada said the civil service held a “zero tolerance” stance on gender-based violence and would roll out mandatory training for all public servants.
“No one should ever have to endure such violence,” Mr Rokovada said.
“Sainimere Tuinasakea’s death is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of all women in Fiji.
“The PSC urges public servants experiencing abuse to call the toll-free helpline 1560.”
FWRM executive director Nalini Singh condemned the murder and two other suspected domestic violence killings over the weekend.
“Domestic violence is not love — it is power, control, and manipulation at its worst,” Ms Singh said.
“These are people’s lives! These are women who mean the world to their children and families… Why are we not speaking up?”
“It is not just a ‘family matter.’ Silence and indifference are not neutral acts. They are part of the problem.”
In Parliament, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga issued an emotional plea before delivering his ministerial statement.
“It is sad and frightening to see the escalation of domestic violence in our nation,” Mr Turaga said.
“It’s a wake-up call for the people of Fiji.
“Au sa kerekere tiko vei kemuni na turaga, vei kemuni na cauravou, kerekere tiko na lotu, kerekere tiko na vanua, kerekere ki na vuvale — vavulici ira na luveda, vabibi na luveda tagane na sala dodonu, rokovi ira na watidra. (“I am pleading with our men and boys, I plead with the churches, the ‘vanua’, I plead with families — teach our children, especially our sons, the right way — to respect their wives.”)
“This must stop! Sa rauta mada! Sa rauta mada!” (Enough! Enough!)
