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For the National Congress on Women |
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By the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre For the National Congress on Women October 1998 1.0.A. Overview of Violence Against Women in Fiji and the Pacific Region Violence against women and children in Fiji and the Pacific continues to be a tremendous problem. Fiji Police Force statistics show that domestic violence cases increased by 149% over a five year period from 1992 to 1996, at an average rate of 30% per annum. Fiji Police Force statistics also show that Offences Against Public Morality, which include rape, attempted rape and indecent assault, increased by 52% from 1987 to 1996. The most significant increase over this ten year period is recorded for Indecent Assault, which increased by 78%. Fiji Police Force statistics from 1992 to 1995 also show that, out of a total of 35 murders in a domestic violence situation, 26 of the victims were female. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) statistics show that 2799 women accessed FWCC services in 1997 alone. This includes 950 new clients, 1040 repeat clients and 809 calls for telephone counselling. Despite intensive advocacy and lobbying by women’s human rights organisations in Fiji, the law reform process is slow, if not non-existent when it comes to introducing new legislation to deal with crimes of violence against women. The inadequacy of laws on violence against women as a major constraint to addressing the issue. There was a recognition of the discriminatory effects that the laws and their interpretation has had on women and quite a number of women’s organisations in the Pacific are lobbying for the need to reform these laws. |
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Submission to UN Special Rapporteur on Child Prostitution |
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12 October 1999 Dear Ms. Philpot, We consider the following to be urgent requirements for the protection of children in the adoption process, and for protection of children from sexual abuse. - Reform of laws relating to rape and sexual abuse of children
Including sexual abuse of boys within the definition of rape and sexual assault. Doing away with consent and "appearance over 16" defenses for rape of children. (2) Gender sensitivity training of judges and magistrates (3) Introduction of child friendly procedures in court, particularly victim impact statements, use of video conferencing, screening of children from accused/abusers
Special juvenile courts/specially trained judicial officers in all cases involving children |
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Points for submission paper to Law Reform Commission |
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POINTS FOR SUBMISSION PAPER TO LAW REFORM COMMISSION : SOURCES OF POLICE POWERS IN FIJI NATURE OF POLICE POWERS GENERAL POWERS : We recommend that in a Domestic Violence situation, the police should have the duty to arrest and remove the perpetrator from the situation to avoid any further violence. DETENTION : In situations whereby persons have been detained by police (particularly at weekends), we strongly recommend that the following points be considered: -
- a Night Court should be established or a Duty Magistrate on call at all times to deal with minor cases, in situations whereby persons have been detained by police for an unnecessary period of time(particularly at weekends).
- a Duty Solicitor scheme to be established and based in major towns/cities, whereby solicitors are available to represent those persons detained by police (particularly at weekends or otherwise) and who have no access to legal representation.
- Where there is a Domestic Violence situation, the release of the Perpetrator should be bound with the issuance of non-molestation and restraining orders.
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Submission to The Honourable Ms Taufa Vakatale |
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21 December 1998 The Honourable Ms Taufa Vakatale
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education and Technology
Marela House
SUVA Dear Ms Vakatale On behalf of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, I would like to extend our greatest appreciation for the support that you have shown us by visiting FWCC, listening and being receptive to the problems that FWCC encounters in its efforts to eliminate violence against women, and the financial contribution that the Government of Fiji has made towards the running of FWCC’s community education and awareness campaign. We would like to thank you for your support for our Zero Tolerance to Domestic Violence Campaign. We also commend you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit FWCC clients who are victim/survivors of domestic violence. Unfortunately Meena Kumari passed away today, leaving behind four very young children. In light of this and many other similar tragedies pertaining to domestic violence, we would like to reiterate the following requests: - That the introduction of the Domestic Violence Bill be seen as a matter of national priority and importance.
- The legislation of the "No Drop" policy on domestic violence.
- That police powers be extended so that non-molestation orders are implemented more effectively.
- That a Special Task Force on Domestic Violence be set up as soon as possible.
- That gender-awareness training for relevant government officers be made compulsory.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre extends its complete support and commitment towards making all of these requests a reality. Please find enclosed a copy of Breaking the Silence, which is a collection of stories, poetry and essays about the violence that permeates the lives of women and children in Fiji and their efforts to overcome it. We wish you a good Christmas and all the best for the new year, Yours sincerely SHAMIMA ALI
Co-ordinator |
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