Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere commended Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s continuous efforts in highlighting the need to protect our women, children and families.

“We should not be entertaining such kind of criminal activities,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“Like he said it was every Fijian’s duty to condemn crime against women and children and we should practise it.

“We should work together with Mr Bainimarama and I for one will definitely join him to end domestic violence and sexual assault scourge in Fiji especially in Macuata Province.”

Mr Bainimarama voiced concerns again on domestic violence and sexual assault in Fiji during the inauguration of the Labasa market extension.

Mr Bainimarama said: “I am calling on all of us to take a stand against what I have called the ugly underbelly of Fijian culture.

“The home is a cherished and sacred place, and it is no place for violence.

“When we let violence into our homes, that violence spreads and infects every layer of society.

“The harm it does to women and children lasts a lifetime, and the harm it does to our society lasts for generations.

“As people, I know we are better than that. We have set strict laws in place to punish these crimes, but the law alone cannot change behaviour.

“The unfortunate reality is these crimes thrive on fear and secrecy and they continue because too many Fijians tolerate them.

“Too many people accept violence against women and children as inevitable.

“That is why it is our duty as a society to condemn these crimes wherever they arise, to shame and shun those who abuse or prey or even think of abusing or preying on our women and children.

“We need to do what we can to stop these crimes from happening, not be quiet about them.”

Edited by Paula Tuvuki
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