A number of people and communities are now stepping up and taking action to ensure that they have zero tolerance on domestic violence in the country.
With the Domestic Violence Decree in force, the government is now working with various communities on awareness campaigns that domestic violence is everyone’s business and people should inform the authorities and take action if they know that domestic violence is occurring in their area.
Over the past few weeks a number of areas have been declared Zero Tolerance Violence Free Communities.
These areas include Koroipita in Lautoka, Vatutavui village in Ba, Namuaimada Village in Tavua, Vunivesi Settlement in Savusavu, Nukutubu in Rewa and Waikete Village in Tailevu.
Others to follow over the next two days are Navakai, Nadi, Korotogo in Sigatoka, Tavualevu village and Natalacake in Ba.
For most of these communities, majority of the men have combined with the women's groups to ensure that they fight domestic violence.
Women’s Minister Doctor Jiko Luveni said many men in these areas have also come forward and said that they will speak to the known perpetrators and ensure that these violent acts are a thing of the past.
Anger management counseling sessions are also underway for these perpetrators and they have also been told that their illegal action will no longer be tolerated.
Doctor Luveni said the declaration of the zero tolerance community is being done over a period of time.
Doctor Luveni also said with the Domestic Violence Decree giving options to the community to act, many victims who are mainly women, can be saved.
Stay with us we will speak to the Turaga Ni Koro of Waikete village and the leader of the Waikete Womens Club later today after they celebrated the declaration of Waikete as a Violence Free Community yesterday.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Communities take action against domestic violence
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