Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024 contestants agree that mental health issues are related to domestic violence and require space to be created for discussion and raising awareness to the public is vital.
This was highlighted by the contestants during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan when asked what their stand is for positive change in our community for domestic violence.
Miss Tents and Awnings Melania Tora says creating spaces for us to discuss these issues is so important because a lot of people do not see mental health as related to the domestic abuse issue that we have, but it is very deeply rooted in our mental health issues.
Miss Moutai Ciara Lee says better health facilities for people who are going through these situations need to be provided and also just like a talk centre to let them know that they are never alone, and they can always talk to someone about it, and never go through violence.
Miss Island Accommodations Martina Sigrah says the abuser should be faced with harsher penalties, maybe a longer sentence, or more community work.
Meanwhile, Miss Ministry of Health Shyla Prasad says there has been an increase in domestic violence, but she highlighted that one issue during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, where couples and partners were in close contact with each other, and also intensified their stress levels, which led to domestic violence eventually.
Prasad suggests that a helpline and online mental health services be provided just to benefit these women.
Today is the last day of the Miss Hibiscus Festival.
The Miss Hibiscus 2024 crowning will be at 7pm at the Suva Foreshore Main Stage.
