FWCC encourages bystander intervention in domestic disputes by taking appropriate safety precautions

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is greatly saddened by the tragedy of a bystander being killed at Sakoca Settlement while intervening in a domestic violence incident.

They say the man acted as a good citizen but unfortunately lost his life and they send their condolences to his family. They also encourage bystander intervention by taking appropriate safety precautions like calling the police or the domestic violence toll-free line 1560. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says the reporting by the Police and the media is still blaming everything else for the violence against women and girls and totally ignoring the main cause which is patriarchy.

The centre says the patriarchal structures give men so many privileges and a sense of entitlement that they can continue to do this to women and be excused. They further say the consumption of alcohol is a contributing factor to violence against women and girls and is not the cause nor an excuse.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre further says they should not be misled by the Police and they are also expected more informed reporting from the Fiji media and not regurgitation of police sentiments.

It says it is very misleading and harmful for these two cases where alcohol was a contributing factor, as there were many other cases reported to them last week where alcohol was not a factor.