Body find believed to be fifth victim of intimate partner violence this year

A woman found dead in Nakasi, Nasinu is believed to be the fifth victim of intimate partner violence resulting in death this year.

The Fiji Corrections Service employee lived with her partner, who is also an officer.

On Friday, Police wore protective gear to retrieve the body.

This indicated that the woman may have been dead for more than 24 hours, inside sources said.

The man who is now the prime suspect is believed to have turned himself in after visiting the Colonial War Memo­rial Hospital to get his injuries treated.

Fiji Women's Crisis Centre's (FWCC) co-ordinator, Shamima Ali said this was shocking news for a country like Fiji with a small population.

Ms Ali revealed in the past 12 years, 59 women in Fiji were mur­dered by their husbands or part­ners, which was concerning.

"We have cases after cases where women report abuse and the re­sponse is late or inadequate," she said.

"If law enforcement took these reports seriously; many of these deaths could have been prevent­ed.

" The centre is urging the Govern­ment to show greater commitment to the national prevention plan on domestic violence, warning that piecemeal efforts and "people pull­ing in different directions" are un­dermining real progress.

"Everyone has an opinion, but very few base it on evidence; we need to listen to experts, look at the data, and act with one mind.

"Domestic violence is still being treated as trivial, and that mindset is costing women their lives," Ms Ali said.

"There is always a history. Men commit these crimes with impuni­ty and eventually the woman dies. Then there's a big outcry; but it's too late."

Calls for increased responsibilities

The Minister for Women, Chil­dren and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran has called for increased re­sponsibilities and more awareness against domestic violence.

"I'm deeply saddened by this yet another loss of life. And we will continue to mount awareness and education," Ms Kiran said.

"At the end of the day; we need people to take responsibility; when they are troubled in a rela­tionship, please call a helpline, call a friend, see your priest.

"Do something to help yourself."

The couple were once subjected to an unlawful termination initi­ated by the now suspended FCS Commissioner, Jalesi Nakarawa in March.

Their termination followed a se­ries of investigations by Police and FCS for allegations of drug possession.

The couple were reinstated two months ago after battling their cases. As of now, Police are still investi­gating the death.

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