A community in West has proven that creating a violence free village is possible, even though it can be challenging.
Located in interior of Tavua district, Vatutavui is a village identified by Police in 2008 with high rates of domestic violence. However, after the village embarked on Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Program (ZTVFC) in March 2010, there has been an impressive change witnessed.
Since its declaration into ZTVFC, the village has had zero records on violence.
The Turaga-ni-koro Joseva Sadulu said this was possible through incorporating ZTVFC as a law in his village.
“Our village was declared violence free community last year and since then we have received continued awareness and assistance by the Police and Ministry of Women on violence free community. This program has instilled the concepts of peace and harmony and my people are living these principles. We have a committee that is a gate keeper in ensuring that no violence what so ever will be tolerated in this village,” Mr Sadulu said.
“People abide by this law, reminding them that peace should prevail at all times. There is continuous advocacy on respecting families and elders in the village.”
He said there were multiple benefits experienced and most significant being no violence observed since the declaration.
“Pledging to ZTVFC has given us more time to focus on the development of our village where we have partnered with Police to develop a Family Parliament Project and have undergone training on coaching a happy family in our society,” Mr Sadulu said.
“Now there is no records of violence as we continuously advocate on good moral values and remind the men that anger is not the solution to a problem.”
Vatutavui Women’s Group president Mrs Kelera Naivuga said the program had been an eye opener to women in her village.
“It appeals to everyone, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters including leaders to take a proactive role in eradicating violence. It has educated us mothers on the importance of proper upbringing of our children. As part of this program, children are taught on moral values like respect, honesty and kindness being the key to personal development,” Ms Naivuga said.
“This initiative has bridged the gap and united us to ensure that our village is free from violence.”
While visiting Vatutavui yesterday the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni commended the community for its achievement.
“The ministry is going out to communities to secure their support for a violence free Fiji. A consultant has been sourced to ascertain the findings of ZTVFC, to identify the challenges and strengthen this program,” Dr Luveni said.
“The success of ZTVFC is determined by the level of commitment and support given by stakeholders and communities. When we engage into a program there has to be concrete evidence seen in what we are doing.
“The behavioral change and collaborative approach has unveiled the great strengths of ZTVFC,” Dr Luveni added.