FIJI 

Spike in violence – Women urged to seek immediate help

LUKE NACEI

16 May, 2021, 10:22 am

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre co-ordinator and human rights activist Shamima Ali. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU/FILE

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has reported a spike of more than 60 per cent in domestic violence cases over the past three weeks.

FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali said amid the health concerns linked to COVID-19, women needed to find a safe space if they were being abused.

“We have received many calls, we have received a spike in our helpline numbers,” she said.

She said the centre had been working with police to ensure the calls were attended to.

Ms Ali said all FWCC staff members were on duty during the Suva-Nausori lockdown from their respective homes.

“Our staff is all on duty from home and whatever needs to be done we are referring to police.

“Women need to get out of dangerous situations, they need to move place to place — especially from contained areas.

“We are getting them out through police and police has been very good with us.”

Ms Ali urged women, girls and children not to suffer in silence if they were going through any form of abuse and to call the
national domestic violence toll-free helpline on 1560.

She also said FWCC had a men’s referral line as well for men experiencing trauma caused by job losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic