Domestic violence remains an issue of concern in Fiji and more work needs to be done to ensure that the Domestic Violence Decree is effectively implemented.
Former High Court Judge, Nazhat Shameem said while huge steps have been taken in the recent past to implement the Domestic Violence and Crimes Decrees, the fact remains that historically domestic violence has been under-reported.
Shameem said around the world, this has been the trend, due to forced reconciliation and institutionalized sexism.
However she said the good news is that the decree is in effect and the people of the country and all those involved in the legal system should ensure that it is properly implemented for the benefit of everyone.
She said this was also highlighted by a High Court Judge in a recent case.
Shameem said the women's NGOs should also play an active role in the implementation of the decree to protect the victims of domestic violence.
Meanwhile the Fiji Women’s Crisis Center revealed today that it has recorded an increase in the number of domestic violence cases for the months of January and February this year compared to last year.
Deputy Coordinator, Edwina Kotoisuva said they attended to 167 cases this year compared to 154 new domestic violence cases for the same period last year.
She said the Police had recorded 15 cases in January and February last year and according to them this had decreased this year.
Kotoisuva said people should never lose sight of the fact that there are still many obstacles women face on a daily basis and violence is just one of them.
She said the severity of violence is something that should not be taken lightly and the community as a whole needs to get involved.
Kotoisuva said it is important that when women want to access justice, they are able to do so through a system that is supportive and sensitive.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
More work needed to fully implement Domestic Violence Decree
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when