Minister for Women and Children Lynda Tabuya says to combat domestic violence, we must unite as a country and implement key preventative measures like fostering respectful relationships, educating about consent, and dismantling gender discriminatory stereotypes around us.
While expressing her sadness over the loss of a 25-year-old woman in a tragic incident, due to an argument, Tabuya said is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
She said this is a human rights violation and a criminal offence.
The deceased was found lying motionless with visible stabbing injuries at an apartment complex along Robertson Road in Suva yesterday.
Tabuya said she is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the young woman and has also expressed her condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones, as well as to those who have lost their loved ones in similar circumstances.
She said the Government recognizes that these incidences of violence are not isolated incidents but deep-rooted gender inequalities and patriarchal structures that perpetuate men’s power and control which normalize violence.
“True safety will only be realized when Fijian women and girls of all diversity are seen and treated as equal partners in our communities and therefore the Ministry is dedicated to enforcing the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (2023–2028), which was rolled out in January 2024 in collaboration with civil society, women’s rights groups and faith-based organizations.”
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 1560 or the Child Helpline on 1325.
