Domestic violence

AS a citizen of the beautiful islands of Fiji, I would like to express my thoughts and ideas on what I believe is an increase in domestic violence in our beloved country.

After going through a thorough research and doing lots of reading, I have come to realise that there has been a lot of cases of abuse in our society.

That includes violence against women, violence against children and most importantly gender-based violence.

I would like to consider that one reason why domestic violence occurs is because of lack of respect between family members and a failure by men recognising the issue of equality with women.

Domestic violence should come to an end so that women and children have a reason to live in their society and feel at home and comfortable. We need to empower our women so that they have the method and the assets to stand up against violence.

We need to respect each other’s body and each other’s personal space. In this way violence can be avoided.

Furthermore, domestic violence is one of the areas and raises once again the question of the government’s responsibility to protect women’s rights. We need to be concerned about the level of domestic violence in our country and children are at their vulnerable today.

I believe statistics show that 64 per cent our women, that is two in every three women we meet, have suffered some form of physical violence by their spouse or partners.

“It is quite shocking knowing that Fiji, in places, has the very highest rate of violence against women in the world.”

I believe the government’s policies to tackle violence against women and children have been a failure in the past 12 years. But a question that needs to be asked is: what exactly are we doing on the ground to ensure the protection and empowerment of our women? Are we doing anything at all to ensure that they feel safe in their own home or are we just going to be sitting idle at our house and watch them being beaten to death? The least we can do is report the matter.

However, what really affects me is that when there is a case of abuse; the only thing that we are good at is taking pictures or writing the story about it and uploading it on Facebook. Have we even considered the fact that maybe we could just help the victims. Domestic violence includes harassment, physical and sexual abuse, some have even been victims of mental and spiritual abuse. The confidence that I gained while taking part in the Festival of the Friendly North and being one of the contestants for 2019 had gained the spirit that I had once lost. I was also a victim of domestic violence both spiritually and mentally. I want to be one of those to voice out their opinions on the effects of domestic violence.

I had to stand up to ensure that the things that I have encountered in my life doesn’t happen to my peers out there.

Domestic violence could come to an end if we act together.

Raising awareness is one of the best solution that we could come up with to end violence. The campaign to end male violence must be taken on by all levels of society.

Every one of us must become intolerant of domestic violence and uphold the belief that no woman deserves violence and that domestic violence is a crime.

I urge the relevant authorities and the public to take suitable and immediate action to end violence against women and children in Fiji.

ADI LENIANA LIVA DIRAGA

Nakama Village, Labasa