NEW data shows persistently high levels of domestic violence in the North, says Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator, Shamima Ali.
For the 10 months from January to October of this year, Ms Ali said their Labasa office recorded 461 counselling sessions — 269 walk-ins and 192 phone sessions.
“Domestic violence continues to dominate our caseload, making 76 per cent of all counselling sessions during this period,” she said.
More than half of all sessions were repeat visits, she said.
“This shows the ongoing risks, repeated abuse, and slow-moving justice processes that many survivors face.”
She said the number of telephone counselling sessions shows the barriers that survivors experience in travelling safely to the centre, particularly those living in rural or isolated communities.
“Phone counselling accounted for 42 per cent of all sessions.”
She said these numbers are not just statistics but represent women living in fear, often trapped in violent homes with limited options for help.
Confirming this, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu (pictured) said the North is the only division that recorded an increase in crime against women and children.
“There seems to be a prevalence of this here. In the last few years, we have seen that these offences mostly happen in settlements. That is where these things are happening,” he said.
Mr Tudravu said some of the most disturbing cases happened inside the homes.
“These are emotional offences and go right back to the social fabric of our society.
“Some incidents are committed at home. I am calling for parental guidance. We need to strengthen how we look after our children, especially with offences committed in the home.”
He said while sexual offences had increased, serious crimes had decreased.
“I am happy we also have a drop in serious crime. That was intentional, we wanted that drop,” he said.
He said police will continue working to protect vulnerable groups and ensure safer communities in the North.
