MORE than 58 women in Fiji have been killed by their partners over the past 12 years, with 64 per cent of women having experienced some form of violence in their lifetime.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) legal services manager Miliana Tarai revealed the figures at the Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable on Critical Human Rights Challenges in Fiji, describing the situation as “alarming” and demanding urgent attention.
“When you look at the statistics we have from the National Prevalence Study, it becomes even more urgent that we address this,” Ms Tarai said.
“According to the study, 64 per cent of women in Fiji have undergone some form of violence in their lifetime at the hands of their partners.”
Ms Tarai said addressing violence against women remains one of FWCC’s top priorities, particularly given the ongoing failures in access to justice and support systems.
“You begin to think about things like access to justice, where you have issues with the police and how they’re responding.
“We concur that victims of gender-based violence in Fiji are not being fully supported by the police and relevant stakeholders.”
She expressed concern over police officers attempting to reconcile domestic violence cases rather than pursue legal action, as required by Fiji’s no-drop policy.
More troubling, Ms Tarai noted, is the rise in cases where police officers themselves are perpetrators of domestic violence.
“They use their position of power as police officers to further victimise their partners, who happen to be the survivors.”
Mr Tarai said the centre would continue to advocate for stronger enforcement of existing laws and increased accountability within the justice system.
