High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo and Kohli and Singh Associates lawyer Ami Kohli’s discussion in court yesterday highlighted the need to have a men’s crisis centre in Fiji.

Mr Kohli had submitted a bail application for his client, Suliano Kailavala, who in anger over being served with biscuit and tea for breakfast instead of dalo, allegedly kicked the thermos containing hot water at his wife, who sustained burns on her face.

The alleged incident happened on November 22 on Taveuni Island. The farmer was charged with act with intent to cause grievous harm.

Justice Temo said he often told the court that there was a need to have a men’s crisis centre in Fiji where they can get help.

“Unfortunately, Shamima Ali doesn’t agree and support my concern,” Justice Temo said.

“We need a men’s crisis centre where men who are not happy or angry with their wives can seek advice. I am sure the centre will counsel or tell him how to deal with anger or provide them with information and examples of cases of men and women.

“We don’t like wives to throw water at us or vice versa. Nowadays, a wife also pours hot water on her husband and I have attended to one case. In some cases, husbands get frustrated and end up killing their wives.”

Justice Temo said violence was not the answer.

“I have done many cases especially in our country where wives don’t treat their husbands well. There are many women and men in the world. If they are not happy, they can marry the person who can provide them with good and right food.”

Mr Kohli, in response, said he would be the first person in Labasa to establish a men’s crisis centre.

The complainant admitted in court that it was her fault. She raised her voice and everyone in the village heard and that’s when the husband reacted.

She said she didn’t report the matter to the Police Station, but it was the health professionals at the Taveuni Hospital who informed the Police.

The accused was released on strict bail conditions.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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