We have seen too often how people can commit unspeakable acts of violence and repression against the very people they are supposed to love and protect.
Those were the words of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while launching the Domestic Violence Help-line and National Women’s Expo 2017.
Bainimarama says this is the time to appreciate the contribution of women to the society in equal terms.
He says when we create a toll free Domestic Violence Helpline to support all women who are or have been victims of violence we make a statement as a people.
Bainimarama says the Domestic Violence Helpline is truly a national effort.
He says together the three telecommunication companies and the Fiji Womens Crisis Centre will enable women and children who have suffered domestic violence or are under threat of domestic violence to help at no charge at a 24 hours a day basis with compassion, discretion and professionalism.
Bainimarama says Domestic Violence in Fiji is too common and the government and the civil society are working hard to end it.
The Prime Minister says Domestic Violence is a national shame, rape is a national shame and together we must do much more to stop them.
Bainimarama says real men don’t beat women, they respect and protect them.
He says real men don’t rape women, they respect a woman’s right to say no and real men don’t abuse children, a heinous crime that warrants the strongest punishment.
The Prime Minister is calling on men to join him to champion this rallying call against domestic violence and its destructive effect on the Fijian economy.
Bainimarama also calls on men who truly stand for non-violence to use every opportunity they have to speak out against domestic violence.
He says Domestic Violence is not a problem for women, as it is a problem for us all.
Meanwhile the 24 hour toll free Domestic Violence Help-line number that was launched today is 1560.
