The Domestic Violence Decree is in force and is being implemented by the Courts in Fiji and by the Fiji Police Force.
But one leading womens organisation maintains that it is not in force.
It all started when Fiji Womens Crisis Centers, Shamima Ali claimed at workshops organised by the center that the decree is not in force and is not being implemented.
Following that the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khiayum made a statement on Friday stressing that the decree is in force and is being implemented and Ali is misinforming the public.
Today, Fijivillage news managed to get details of communication between the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khiayum and Fiji Womens Crisis Center Director Shamima Ali yesterday where Ali claimed that the courts and Police have informed them that it is not in operation.
She told the AG and I quote, "you should check with the courts before slandering us, I never lie about these things, why don't you talk to me, you all should get your facts right, right hand should now what left is doing.
Womens Crisis center has more integrity than most, we will never let our women down for our personal gains" end quote.
In response Sayed Khiayum stated that her information is incorrect because the decree is very much in operation an example of which is that restraining orders are being issued under the decree at all levels.
Sayed Khiayum said if the crisis Center believes that Police are not doing their job enforcing the decree they should inform them and or the Ministry of Women, and take a collaborative approach rather than making pronouncements through the media in the first place.
Speaking to Fijivillage news Sayed Khiayum said it is unfortunate that a womans advocate has not been advising members of the public on their rights as per the decree because of ignorance of its implementation.
However, Shamima Ali maintained that they are not able to protect their clients as the courts and the police are not implementing the Domestic Violence decree and are not aware of it.
It was publically announced that the Domestic Violence Decree came into effect in December 2009.
There has been extensive training conducted with various stakeholders which included lawyers, prosecutors, police members of the Judiciary, government officials and NGO's to ensure its successful implementation to protect women and children against domestic violence.
Story by: Roneel lal
