The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is calling on all men not to conduct any bad behaviour, such as domestic violence, during this festive season and ensure that their families celebrate a great Christmas and New Year.
FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says they have already seen an escalation of the violence in homes and also against women.
She says this is the time they see high numbers of domestic violence happening in homes.
Ali is calling on men to please influence other men not to conduct bad behaviours, domestic violence, rape, child rape and so on because this is the time that people get together, and there is a lot of celebration where alcohol is consumed.
The FWCC Coordinator is also calling on women and girls not to suffer in silence and to reach out to them if they need assistance.
Ali says people can call their 24-hour toll-free helpline on 1560 or contact the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre at any time.
From January to the end of November this year, the FWCC office has seen more than 6,000 people with 60 percent of the reports being domestic violence related, and they have also seen the use of drugs contributing to the high rates of violence against women, girls and children.
She says people are coming to them to report rape, child rape, sexual violence or for legal advice.
Ali says they received 2,000 new cases this year.
