The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has reminded all  Fijians to commit themselves to social progress. That is to ending the scourge of rape and domestic violence in Fiji.

“We must stop these acts from happening,” Mr Bainimarama said as he continued his north tour.

“When someone even thinks of committing these terrible acts of violence, shame them because it is wrong, terribly wrong and that is the only way it will stop. I would like to remind all of us that we must never abuse our women and children, hurt or intimidate them,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“As you all know I ended last year speaking about domestic violence against women and children and promised to mention it at every opportunity.

“Therefore, while I am around for one week in the Northern Division I would use every opportunity to highlight the issue I have been addressing all over the country, the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“My Government and I take every opportunity to condemn these crimes and demand that we as a society refuse to tolerate such violent acts,” he said.

“Although the law punishes these crimes severely, we need to create a culture that shames anyone who even thinks about abusing or assaulting our women and children.

“So, I call on you all to join me in this fight to ensure every Fijian woman and child lead a fulfilling life that is free from violence and abuse.”

“I would like to remind all men of Fiji that a man must use his superior physical strength to help protect and provide for our women and children never to abuse them, hurt them or intimidate them,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“A man must be strong enough to be kind and gentle, to listen and to nurture.

“He must be a partner to his wife, a guide to his children and a source of comfort.

“My Government has changed laws to make sure those rapists and people who batter their wives and children are punished severely,” he said.

“But laws are not enough. We must come together as a society, as a people, to eradicate this terrible problem.

“We need to create a culture within our society that condemns and shames this behaviour.”

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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