Four women and one man have lost their lives to intimate partner violence this year, and every life lost to domestic violence is one too many.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran highlighted this in her Ministerial statement on the update on Fiji’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan (2025-2030) in Parliament this morning.
Kiran says according to the Fiji Police Force’s latest crime statistics for June 2025, sexual offences have increased by 28 percent, with 60 percent of victims under the age of 18.
She says crimes against children have risen by 8 percent, over half involving sexual abuse, and nearly a quarter committed within family homes.
She adds that domestic violence remains widespread, most often perpetrated by those closest to the victims.
The Minister acknowledged members of Parliament for wearing the awareness pin or wearing black today—demonstrating unity and resolve to end violence in all its forms.
She urged every Member of Parliament and leaders in our faith traditions, in the business sector and community leaders to please speak out against gender based violence.
She also encouraged them to develop zero tolerance to all forms of violence in their homes and communities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the toll-free helpline 1560, available from any network.
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