Shelter for domestic violence victims

Victims of domestic violence will soon have a new shelter constructed for them in Lautoka.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday by the Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa and Golden Age Trustees.

This was for the use of a piece of land owned by the trustees to build the Lautoka Shelter for women victims of domestic violence. “This is a step towards implementation of the Government’s aim in decreasing the unbelievable number of domestic violence cases we have in Fiji,” Ms Vuniwaqa stated.

“It’s a historical moment for us and I’m really excited.”

The increasing number of domestic violence has indeed become a major concern for Fiji and this was also emphasised by the Project Manger of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific, Dr Maria Doton, at the MOU signing.

“We are constructing this shelter for the vulnerable woman out there,” Dr Doton stated.

“Our statistics show that Fiji is number four in violence all over the world.

“Yet we do not have any house to shelter these victims.

“This is the first shelter to cater for women of domestic violence in Fiji.”

Dr Doton said women violated generally tend to go back to the perpetrators place because there is no other place for them to go. Rajneesh Charan, Trustee Chair for Golden Age Home, said that it was for a good cause, thus prompting them to engage in a MOU to hand in giving the piece of land to the Government.

“This will be a good shelter for women displaced from their houses and for the single mothers,” Ms Charan stated.

The construction project will be undertaken by Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific and the estimated cost is about $170,000.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia From left: Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa, trustee Abdul Samsher, Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueti, Punjas Director Kantilal Punja, Trustee and Board...