Nine lives lost to intimate partner violence, including two men who committed suicide

Nine lives have been lost to intimate partner violence, including two men who committed suicide.

This has been confirmed by the Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, during her ministerial statement in Parliament, where she stated that the government launched the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls in June 2023, shifting the focus from response to prevention.

Kiran says the plan involves nationwide consultations, partnerships with faith groups, traditional leaders, and international partners, including Australia and UN Women, as well as initiatives in schools, workplaces, communities, and rural areas.

She says it also introduces the Pacific's first Gender Based Violence shelter guidelines and service delivery protocols.

The Minister says violence is recognized not just as a social issue but also as an economic one, costing Fiji around $300 million annually.

Member of the Opposition, Rinesh Sharma, acknowledged the severity of violence but criticized the government for slow implementation, underfunded frontline services, and neglecting violence against men.

Sharma argued that policies need to be backed by real resources, justice reforms, and inclusive approaches that protect all Fijians. Meanwhile, both sides agreed that domestic and gender-based violence requires collective responsibility, mindset change, and survivor-centred action to build a safer Fiji.