Police not responding to breaches of domestic violence restraining orders (DVRO) is a common occurrence, claims the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.

Co-ordinator Shamima Ali said a deeper issue here was that newer Police officers did not understand the law or how to investigate crimes of violence against women.

Her comments follow the horrific stabbing of a woman in Samabula last Tuesday night. 44-year-old Lusiana Letelena is still admitted in hospital.

Her alleged attacker had been identified as her former husband, who before the attack in the evening, had allegedly arrived to harass her at the Suva Market where Ms Letelena is a vendor.

According to a relative, this matter and many before were reported to the Police as the alleged attacker had a DVRO against him. However, it is alleged that no action was taken.

Ms Ali said the Crisis Centre used to work with Police in providing training on how to approach issues where children and women were involved.

She said the only way around this was to have a national roundtable.

“Breaches in DVRO is not a small issue. It could lead to a life and death situation as was the case in Samabula,” Ms Ali said.

“We need to have Police, lawmakers and other stakeholders come, discuss and forge out a way on how we can move forward.

“Violating a DVRO is a crime. This is a serious issue.”

Police have stated in the past that all reports have to be treated with seriousness as they all have a no drop policy. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro had stated that their investigation into the alleged stabbing was ongoing and the claims of laxity, if brought up, would be looked at.

Police forensic team investigates the stabbing of women at the junction of Namuka and Fulaga Street in Samabula on December 4, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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