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Cabinet has endorsed measures to address the growing concerns on violence against women. These include the establishment of a service protocol between the Ministry of Health, Women and Social Welfare, the Police, the Ministry of Education and relevant Non Government Organizations (NGOs) for addressing victims of violence, as well as the setting up of a pilot project on ‘Violence Free and Zero Tolerance Community’ by the Department of Women. Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Health, Women and Social Welfare, DrJiko Luveni. Dr Jiko said that violence against women is a national scourge and must be addressed at all levels of society. “It is a crime perpetrated against women and impedes their opportunities for social, economic and political growth.” Dr Jiko said that the economic costs of violence against women account for millions of tax-payers dollars in Fiji. Dr Jiko said that whilst the Government and the NGOs, particularly the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, have contributed immensely toward addressing violence against women, there is more that needs to be done. “The rise in crime especially ‘against public morality’ is cause for alarm and calls for action. “Rapes, indecent assault, defilement of minors and incest have been on the rise, and domestic violence also continues to rise.” She said that violence against women can be eliminated and it can be done through partnership within government and networking with civil society especially community-based organizations. “The development of a service protocol after full consultations with the various Ministries and NGOs would ensure a better coordination of expected work amongst all government agencies and NGOs on issues relating to violence against women and on victims of domestic violence.” She further said that a ‘violence free and zero tolerance’ community project will also be established as a means of creating more awareness and getting community participation and involvement. She said that the project will be piloted in Koroipita off Naikabula Road ,3 kilometers from Lautoka. “The residents of Koroipita have taken ownership of the project and there is commitment to being the ‘pilot’ community for ‘Zero Tolerance’ on violence against women.” Dr Jiko said that the pilot project will be launched during the ‘16 Days of Activism On the Elimination of Violence Against Women’ in November this year. -Ends- No:1117 |
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