Despite receiving weekly complaints from women affected by online abuse, many women in communities across Fiji continue to suffer in silence, unaware of the support available to them or how to lodge a complaint.
This was highlighted by Online Safety Commissioner Filipe Batiwale at the Arts Reception and Exhibition held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Suva, which celebrated the arts while supporting the United Kingdom’s 'All-In' campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Batiwale says violence against women and girls remains a serious global issue and has increasingly expanded into online spaces through technology-facilitated gender-based violence or TFGBV.
He explained that this includes image-based abuse, such as the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or recordings, whether real, AI-generated or fake, as well as online harassment, stalking, impersonation, threats, extortion and sextortion.
The Online Safety Commissioner stressed that these forms of digital abuse are deeply damaging and must be taken seriously.
He says the Commission receives weekly complaints from women harmed through social media platforms, particularly Facebook and TikTok, describing image-based abuse as one of the most serious and fastest-growing forms of TFGBV in Fiji.
However, he stressed that many women remain unaware of the reporting process or the support available to them, and continue to endure abuse in silence.
To lodge a complaint, people can either visit the website www.osc.com.fj or send an email to help@onlinesafetycommission.com
People can also visit the Commission's office in the Central Division at Level 9, Suvavou House, Suva, or in the Western Division at Level 2, Nadi Police Station.
Batiwale acknowledged that while the fight against technology-facilitated violence is challenging, it is not impossible, and awareness is a critical step in combating the issue.
He says the Commission works to have harmful content removed from online platforms and, with the victim’s consent, may refer matters to the Fiji Police Force for investigation and possible prosecution.
He adds that, as part of its mandate, the Commission is also engaging with communities across Fiji, including rural and maritime areas, by conducting online safety awareness sessions in both English and vernacular languages.
Batiwale emphasised the importance of collaboration between government agencies, non-government organisations and civil society, adding that the Commission is ready to train organisations interested in spreading online safety awareness.
He expressed confidence that, by working together, communities can be empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to protect women and girls online and to take action when digital harm occurs.
