Duavata Northern Crime Prevention carnival contestant Matelita Talatu is concerned about the recurrence of violence against women.

Ms Talatu hopes to highlight the alarming rate during the week-long event in Labasa.

Duavata Northern Crime Prevention carnival opens next Saturday in Labasa with a float procession from the Y-corner to Subrail Park.

The 18-year-old student of Labasa College is sponsored by the Labasa Police Division.

She said the country’s rate of violence against women are “among the highest in the world.”

“The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre reports that 64 per cent of women who have been in intimate relationships have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner, including 61 per cent who were physically attacked and 34 per cent who were sexually abused,” she said.

“I am advocating this issue because the statistics are alarming and I am scared that in the near future I might become a victim myself.

“The Fiji Police Statistics Unit revealed that there were a total of 908 reported and registered cases of domestic violence against women and children in Fiji in the year 2017.

“Out of these reported cases, 777 were women victims and 131 were child victims, adding that further analysis revealed that of the women victims, 62 per cent were committed in the home setting and were mainly cases of assault and related offences.

“Twenty-six per cent were violated in their home setting and included cases of rape and assault and related offences.

“Fiji Police also has collaborative networks with many agencies and forums to address the concerns of domestic violence in Fiji adding that this extends towards enforcement, advocacy, women empowerment, awareness, prevention, gender equality, child safety to name a few.

“The Fiji Police anticipates with interest the development and enactment of sexual offenders Registration Bill shall further empower the organisation in the enforcement and creation of a safer society for our women and children.”

The youngest contestant said everyone’s effort was needed to address the social stigma.

“This is an opportunity to share information regarding domestic violence to create awareness,” she said.

“The recurrence of violence against women has left some children without their mothers. This needs to be addressed extensively.”

“I was happy and excited to be a mouthpiece to address violence against women and children. It is a grave concern and I would like to use the carnival platform to create the awareness.”

The carnival is from June 29 to July 7, 2018. Edited by Naisa Koroi

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