Rising fuel prices and increasing financial pressure on households could lead to a rise in violence in some homes if stronger support systems are not in place, according to the Fiji Women's Rights Movement.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Executive Director Nalini Singh says Fiji is not only facing one crisis but a "polycrisis".
She says there are many factors that can contribute to violence against women, but the root cause remains power imbalances in society, where patriarchal systems have conditioned people to believe that some groups hold power over others.
Singh says when families face financial stress and struggle to maintain their livelihoods, these pressures can worsen existing problems and increase tensions in households.
She says the current fuel crisis could have a similar impact because many people may not have enough coping mechanisms to deal with the growing pressure.
Insert: Nalini on fuel updated, 21st May 26
She says while there are existing support systems available, including toll-free helplines and frontline services, people need to make use of them before situations escalate into violence.
Singh says Fiji has been somewhat protected from the impact of rising global fuel costs due to fuel reserves, assistance from neighbouring countries, loans from development partners and grants from Australia, along with assurances of continued fuel shipments.
However, she says possible power rationing and rising tariffs could create further stress on households, adding that Fiji is not alone and countries around the world are facing similar challenges.
Singh says there is a need to strengthen long-term coping mechanisms and systems to better support people during difficult periods.
