90% of women don’t report domestic violence – Shamima Ali

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali has revealed that 90 percent of women don’t report the domestic violence they endure at the hands of their partners, lovers or husbands.

In an interview with fijivillage News, Ali expressed her concerns regarding the tragic incidents that occurred over the weekend, where two women and a man lost their lives due to domestic violence.

She says for the first time three deaths been recorded in a single weekend.

One of the victims, 28-year-old Karishma Chaudhry of Kerebula Road, Nadi, was eight months pregnant when she was allegedly killed by her abusive partner.

Ali confirms that Chaudhry had been seeking counselling support from their Nadi Centre.

When asked why do women tend to return to their abusive partners, Ali says this is a very complex issue, where despite being warned that their lives could be at risk and being offered emergency safe housing, many women still reconnect with their abusers.

Ali says in the Nadi matter, she had chosen to stay with her parents and didn’t inform the Centre before returning to her partner, which led to her death.

She says when something goes wrong in a marriage, women are often blamed while many stay because of financial dependence, fear, concern about their children growing up without a father and pressure from family, friends, or the community.

She says emotional and physical abuse leaves women with low self-esteem and a fear of men, making it harder for them to leave their abusive partners.

The Coordinator stressed the need for religious and community support in combating domestic violence.

She says some still believe that women must be obedient and that it’s a husband’s right to hit his wife, and these beliefs only lead to everyday suffering.

Ali says there has been an increase in reports of domestic violence but this doesn’t necessarily indicate a rise in incidents, it shows that more victims are now coming forward.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is currently providing support to Chaudhry’s children, her mother and stepfather during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, the 47-year-old partner remains in custody. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the toll-free helpline 1560, available from any network.