There are clear indications that intimate partners and in-laws are the main perpetrators when it comes to physical violence against women in Fiji.
According to a survey, 70 to 80 percent of physical violence inflicted on women in the country is by their intimate partners or their mothers-in-law.
This has been revealed by Doctor Tupou Wata in a presentation on violence against women and how the health professionals can act to ensure that the women are protected.
Two recent cases have been highlighted where women had to go for treatment at the Burns Unit.
It has also been revealed that a woman did not want to be discharged from hospital as she feared for her life if she returned home.
Whenever her time would come to be discharged, she would complain of shortness of breath and ask the doctor if she can stay in hospital.
It has been revealed that forms of abuse and violence on this woman included her partner pushing her face into hot water.
Fiji Womens Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shamima Ali said that the reported violence against women by the in-laws is mainly from the Indo Fijian community.
It has been highlighted that the Domestic Violence Decree is in place and victims should be protected and such cases have to be reported and an application for a restraining order can be made.
Health professionals also say cases should be referred to the Police and the Social Welfare Ministry.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
