The Fiji Police Force has applauded the consolidated approach taken by the newly formed EVAW (Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children) to address the issue of violence against women and children in Fiji.
While opening the Gender Based Training workshop held recently at Ro Lalabalavu House in Suva, the Fiji Police Force's Human Resources director Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Unaisi Vuniwaqa said the EVAW Taskforce has inculcated new hope and rejuvenated effort on eliminating violence.
The Inter-Agency Taskforce on EVAW was formed in April this year by the Ministry of Women and includes representatives from various government and non-government organisations who will work together to address violence against women and children.
While addressing the Taskforce members, SSP Vuniwaqa said that a collaborative platform will enable stakeholders to effectively look at the root causes of violence and efficient ways of addressing this issue.
“We thank the Ministry for bringing all the relevant stakeholders under one roof for a round table discussion. The Taskforce will play a key role in identifying strategies to address the issue of violence.
The EVAW Taskforce provides a multi-sectoral platform for stakeholders to share information, data and resources to map out a consolidated effort to eliminate violence against women and children,” she said.
SSP Vuniwaqa said that Police statistics show that in 2013, of the total offences committed 13percent of it accounts to sexual offences.
“We have seen that due to increase awareness people are now reporting cases to the police and through training like these one, the EVAW Taskforce members will be able to upgrade their knowledge and reach out to the families and communities. The impact will be witnessed in positive response from communities to participate and respond effectively to our awareness programs.
“The vision on creating violence free communities is shared vision and it can only be achieved if all the stakeholders work together it will foster positive changes into the lives of the women, children and the communities,” she reiterated.
In line with this vision, the Ministry of Women in partnership with Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) had organised a Gender Based Violence training to enable the Taskforce members to understand the dynamics of gender based violence and device action plans to create violence free environment for women and girls.
The training saw the participation of representatives from the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Correctional Services, Solicitor General’s Office, health, education, provincial development, i-taukei affairs, Empower Pacific and UN Women.
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