Boys exposed to domestic violence '10 times more likely' to become abusers: Lal

Opposition Member of Parliament Virendra Lal has warned that young boys who witness their fathers using violence against their mothers are up to ten times more likely to become abusers themselves.

Mr Lal highlighted this yesterday in Parliament during his response to Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran’s statement marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Mr Lal said this intergenerational cycle was “the most heart-breaking caus” of the country’s high domestic violence rates.

“When a child, particularly a young boy, grows up seeing his father use aggression and physical force to control his mother, that boy learns a dangerous lesson,” Mr Lal said.

“He learns that violence is acceptable, that it is a tool for achieving control. This is how the tragedy perpetuates itself.”

Mr Lal, speaking as “a son, a father, and a member of the community,” called for a cultural shift in how masculinity is defined in Fijian homes.

“We must redefine masculinity, teaching them that true strength is found not in physical dominance, but in gentleness, patience, and respect,” he said.

Minister Kiran revealed that 64 per cent of ever-partnered women in Fiji have endured physical or sexual violence from intimate partners, with the economic cost equivalent to seven per cent of GDP.

Mr Lal urged every father, grandfather, teacher and community leader to actively teach boys better behavior, calling it a “sacred duty” to break the cycle of violence.

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