Judge: Court Will Not Tolerate Domestic Violence Offenders
JUSTICE ALUTHGE SAYS VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN HAS BECOME A PROBLEM IN FIJI.
ASuva High Court judge has told a man convicted of assaulting his girlfriend that domestic violence has become a big problem in Fiji.
The Judge, Justice Aruna Aluthge said the court must demonstrate that “it will not tolerate any kind of domestic violence and that it will come down harshly on violators.”
Justice Aluthge said an immediate prison term was warranted to punish the man for his violent offending so that a clear message was sent to the society despite his apology to the victim and the subsequent reconciliation.
He jailed him for 12 months but suspended it for six months to be served concurrently with a fivemonth term he is currently serving for another matter.
“You have pleaded guilty to the charge at the first available opportunity. You have been extremely remorseful.
“She has accepted your apology unreservedly.
“A reconciliation deal struck in
unequal bargaining conditions will be seen by the courts with a degree of skepticism unless there is strong evidence of a solid basis for true and genuine reconciliation.
“A situation such as this is liable to be exploited by the strong against the weak.”
He said it was unfortunate that court interventions were sought in familial issues that could easily and amicably be settled by way of dialogue based on mutual understanding and trust.
He said once confronted with a violent domestic issue, the courts were looked upon by the society as saviours who would do something substantial to ensure that the vulnerable victims and potential victims in domestic settings were safe and protected.
“If you had a reasonable suspicion of your girlfriend having an affair with another boy, violent reaction that you resorted to is not the solution to your problem,” he said.
“Fiji is an open society where a relationship is based on mutual trust and understanding.
“You could simply end a relationship that you don’t trust without resorting to violence.”