An NGO worker is concerned with how police handle cases of domestic violence.
femLINKpacific employee Alumita Davelevu claims that on October 27, she accompanied a woman who’d allegedly been assaulted by her husband to the Labasa Police Station, however, the police did not record her statement.
“They just took the victim and myself to the house where her husband was, got the children and they spoke to the man, advising him to resolve the matter with his wife,” Ms Davelevu said.
“This is worrying because the man has not been taken to task or warned, and this kind of situation will escalate if it isn’t resolved by the law system.”
Ms Davelevu said they assisted the victim with a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) at the Labasa Magistrate’s Court.
Northern Police Commander SSP Kemueli Baledrokadroka confirmed the victim visited the station regarding a matter involving her husband.
“She requested the police to assist her in getting her children back, which the police did,” he said.
He did not comment on the issue of whether her statement was recorded.
