HARMFUL gender norms, unequal power relationships and attitudes that tolerate abuse are among the factors driving violence against women in Fiji, says acting permanent secretary for Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection Selina Kuruleca.
She said violence often remained hidden because of fear, shame, stigma and pressure to keep family matters private.
“Too often, violence remains hidden due to fear, shame, stigma or pressure to keep family matters private,” she said in a media response.
“Violence is never a private matter when safety and lives are at risk.”
Ms Kuruleca said addressing the problem required long-term social change and the involvement of men and boys.
“We must teach respect, equality and healthy relationships from an early age. Men and boys must be active partners in promoting respectful behaviour and rejecting violence.”
She said the ministry was leading implementation of the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls 2023–2028.
The plan brought together Government, civil society and community partners to address the causes of violence and strengthen prevention and support efforts.
Ms Kuruleca said the ministry was also working with relevant agencies to improve services for survivors.
“Key areas of work include strengthening access to counselling, health services, legal assistance, shelters and other support services.”
She said coordination between agencies was important to ensure survivors received appropriate assistance.
The ministry was also addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse and digital coercion.
Ms Kuruleca said access to services for women and girls with disabilities and those living in rural and maritime communities also needed to be improved.
