The cost of gender-based violence could increase if more reports are received, says Fiji Police Force Acting Commissioner Juki Fong Chew.

Responding to the $300 million cost that gender-based violence placed on government coffers, Mr Chew said dealing with those criminal acts were costly.

“For us we do our investigations and take the suspects to court but if that is the amount I think it is still the same,” he said.

“However, if the cases continue to increase obviously the amount will increase.”

Mr Chew said domestic violence continued to be a prevalent criminal act being reported to police.

“Lives have been lost and most of the lives that were lost were of females or the partners of the crime suspects. And if there are children involved then it is the child who suffers.

“There is trauma that will exist in their children’s lives and will be with them for years to come.

“So having these discussions is important and we need to have it — starting from the top all the way down.”

He said Government had been heavily involved in establishing policies that addressed gender-based violence. “Government is very concerned and all stakeholders should be aligned with Government’s concerns.

“We should be doing something about it. Our role is to investigate these crimes but on the other hand we also want to advocate and raise awareness on these crimes.

“We need to remind people to seek help if they find themselves in these situations.”