Men and women should  know some kind of self -defence to protect themselves from rape and abuse.

This is the message from 22-year-old Sheenal Swastika who will be taking part as a queen contestant in the 2016 Vodafone Hibiscus Festival.

Ms Swastika is a third year law student at the University of Fiji and is sponsored by Apco Paints.

“In 2012, I worked at a magazine publishing house where I became a  victim of abuse during my first year of university,” she said.

“I did not know what to do, I was helpless. I remember that night I was shivering thinking about how badly I was treated.”

She said from the experience she has signed up for a martial arts classes.

“Defence classes is a great safety measure. It promotes fitness and health too,” she said.

“I believe the law is doing its job, however, people need to change their mind-set about this issue,” she said.

“And with self defence we can decrease the number of abuse and rape cases in Fiji.”

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

Feedback:  christine.nikola@fijisun.com.fj