16-year-old Salote Sakiti from Naqali Village, Anandi Devi in Tabataba, Ba, 18-year-old Venina Cirikeba Cava in Lautoka and a woman in Veisari, Lami have passed away in the last two weeks allegedly due to violence perpetrated by men.
Sakiti was allegedly attacked by a man who is of unsound mind, Anandi Devi was allegedly attacked in her own home, Cava's body was found in a park near Lautoka Hospital while the woman in Veisari, Lami was allegedly murdered by her husband.
While expressing their condolences to the families, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection says every one of these lives mattered, and their loss is deeply felt by their families and communities.
Minister Sashi Kiran says no woman or girl should have to live in fear.
Kiran says family members, friends, and neighbours have a responsibility to step in and help if they see violence or feel someone is in danger. Acting early can save lives.
She says as we enter the festive season, they are witnessing an increase in violent incidents.
Kiran says they are seeing young try and snatch valuables of others to pay for their own addictions and entertainment and some of these are happening in broad daylight.
They urge passers-by and witnesses to call out these acts and call for help.
Kiran also says that Fizaz Ali was attacked and killed by youth in Tavua, another unnecessary and tragic loss of life.
She says they are urging people to look out for each other and those who are trying to commit crimes will be caught and punished.
Kiran is calling on family elders, community elders and faith leaders to keep our young engaged and speak about values of empathy and compassion.
She further says during this festive season, please keep your loved ones close to you and keep communicating on their whereabouts to keep them safe and protected.
If you or someone you know is having problems, please reach out for help. The Domestic Violence Toll-Free Helpline 1560, the Child Helpline 1325, and Empower Pacific on 5626 all have trained counsellors available to provide advice, support and guidance.
Kiran stresses let us all care for one another, speak out against violence, and protect the safety of women and girls in our communities.
