Violence against women, girls and children continues at alarming levels across Fiji, with hundreds of new cases and thousands of repeat counselling sessions recorded in the first five months of 2026.
Statistics from counselling services between January and May show 829 new cases were received, with domestic violence accounting for 558 of those reports, making it the most common form of abuse recorded.
Survivors of domestic violence also attended 1,023 repeat counselling sessions during the same period, underscoring the ongoing trauma and long-term support needed for victims.
The data further reveals cases of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, child rape, child abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of violence affecting women and children across the country.
Among the recorded cases were 7 rape cases, 9 child rape cases, 10 cases of child sexual abuse, 6 sexual assault cases, 2 attempted rape cases, 5 sexual harassment cases, and 36 cases of physical, verbal and emotional child abuse.
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali says the figures reflect the scale of violence being experienced in homes and communities, and the sustained impact on survivors.
She says behind every statistic is a survivor seeking safety, justice and support, while the high number of repeat counselling sessions highlights that recovery from violence is a long and ongoing process.
Ali says domestic violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Fiji, with many women and children living in fear and trauma within their own homes.
She says survivors continue to face significant barriers when seeking protection and justice, including concerns over the enforcement of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders.
Ali says reports continue to be received from women who hold restraining orders but remain fearful due to delays in enforcement, adding that such protection orders are only effective if they are properly implemented.
She says domestic violence must be treated as a serious crime rather than a private family matter, warning that delays in responding to complaints or breaches can place survivors and their children at further risk.
Ali also raised concerns about the handling of domestic violence cases by authorities, saying some survivors report being discouraged from pursuing complaints, being encouraged to reconcile with perpetrators, or having their experiences minimised.
She says such responses amount to re-victimisation and undermine trust in the justice system.
Ali is calling for stronger accountability across institutions, improved police responses, and greater investment in prevention, protection and survivor support services.
She says ending violence against women requires a coordinated national response involving government agencies, law enforcement, communities and faith-based organisations.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre say they remain committed to providing confidential counselling, advocacy and support services to survivors across Fiji.
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is 1560, and is available 24 hours a day free of charge from all networks.
