Get your facts right and let the investigations take their course.
This is the response from the Fijian Drua as it hit back at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre for accusing senior management of covering up alleged domestic violence cases.
Drua CEO Mark Evans said the FWCC had not contacted them to determine the facts pertaining to domestic violence cases involving the players.
FWCC’s Shamima Ali yesterday said all its public statements were “evidence-based and informed by the lived experiences of women and girls who seek our support”.
She said it was imperative that sporting fraternities undergo gender sensitisation training.
“The unfounded accusation published in the Fiji Times (yesterday) that the senior management of the Fijian Drua encouraged players to counter charge their partners is completely and utterly incorrect,” Mr Evans said.
“There has never been and never will be any attempt by anyone to involved in disciplinary processes at the Drua to do so.
“It is also incorrect to claim that no players were stood down, they were whilst internal investigations were completed.
“Nobody from the centre has contacted the Drua to ascertain the facts of each individual case or details of the process undergone.”
Mr Evans acknowledged the allegations of misconduct by Drua players Peni Matawalu and Iosefo Masi, and said the club would withhold any sanctions-related announcements until the legal processes were completed in both cases.
“We are aware of news reports of potential investigations by the authorities, and it’s only fair to all parties concerned to let the process take its course.
“This is to respect the court process currently underway and protect all parties from prejudicial risk.
“As a result of this decision, both players are available for club and country duties as part of their employment requirements.”
Meanwhile FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali issued another response yesterday and said she recognised that the context of her comments may have been misrepresented.
She said she was responding to cases of domestic violence, rape, sexism, and misogyny in rugby within various sporting organisations in Fiji including alleged collusion by police.
“Our public statements are evidence-based and informed by the lived experiences of women and girls who seek our support,” Ms Ali said.
“There is an urgent need for gender sensitisation that includes educating players, coaches, and administrators about gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and preventing violence against women and girls.”
