When are we going to see a stop on violence and abuse of our women?

Violence against women reared its ugly head again at the weekend. Two women, one in Nadi and the other in Suva were victims of brutal attacks.

In Nadi, a woman was allegedly stabbed by her de facto partner despite a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). In Suva, a woman was allegedly hit on the head with an iron rod by her brother during an argument over a compound.

There is absolutely no legitimate excuse for this kind of violence.

It’s a serious crime that continues to haunt our nation and it’s time we put a stop to it - not as mere words but concrete action.

We cannot blame the impact of COVID-19 or other causes for these attacks. Domestic violence has existed before COVID-19. In fact it has become a national shame and a scourge on our nation.

It’s all the more reason why we need to take action to remedy the situation.

We talk a lot about zero tolerance on domestic violence and we seem to be doing as much as we can to raise public awareness. But it is still happening. It raises the question: Are we doing enough? Obviously there must be a change in attitude about women before we can see a noticeable change in the way we treat them. Violence and abuse against women are based on a wrong perception that women are the weaker sex in a seemingly male-dominated society. The fact is Women today are changing that perception. More of them have ascended to leadership positions which were previously held by their male counterparts.

Equality is the buzz word in modern Fiji. But to see women being abused and physically harmed is a shame. It is a national disgrace. It is unacceptable and should be condemned In the strongest possible terms.

We need to address the root cause. All boys raised in respective families should be taught to love and respect girls and women starting with their mothers, sisters, cousins aunties and grandmothers. This will Help prepare them for relationship with girls and women outside of their families.

Before they start their own families they should be encouraged to attend a workshop that teaches them their responsibilities and the do’s and donts about building a healthy, stable and happy relationship and a happy family. This will reduce the risks of violence that sometimes is caused by ignorance or misunderstanding. We can have tougher laws as a deterrent but they will not dramatically reduce it.