Facebook post brings light to domestic abuse

The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to those who violate domestic violence restraining orders (DVRO).

He said those who do so, would be thoroughly investigated.

Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu stressed that breaches of these orders, once reported to the po­lice, would not go unnoticed.

He said failure to properly in­vestigate such violations would also be scrutinised.

Viral post

The commissioner's state­ment comes amid a surge of public concern following a viral Facebook post by a young woman, who shared a chilling account of her experience with domestic abuse.

The post has sparked widespread outrage and support, with thousands of people expressing their solidarity with the victim.

The post, which has garnered over 4500 likes, 646 comments, and 2000 shares as of 8pm yesterday, sheds light on the disturbing reality of domestic violence and the strength it takes to speak out.

In the post, the woman, whose identity has not been disclosed for her safety, shared her story of abuse at the hands of her former partner.

She detailed the physical, emotional, and psychological torment she endured during their relationship.

“Throughout our time together, I experienced severe physical abuse,” she said.

“He has dragged me by my hair, punched me, kicked me everywhere. He has done unimaginable things to me, like leaving me alone in an unknown neighbourhood simply because I refused to give him money to go and smoke.”

Her candid and raw account has caught the attention of many, particularly young people who have rallied around her, offering support and condemning the actions of her abuser.

Shamima Ali, the Co-ordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, praised the young woman for her bravery in sharing her story.

“Assaults of this nature, and many other physical and sexual assaults on women and girls, must be called out and brought to an end,” Ms Ali said.

“It’s very brave of this young woman to speak out, and I urge her to call the national toll-free DV line 1560 or reach out to the Crisis Centre for support.”

Ms Ali also emphasised the need for a societal shift in how we view and respond to violence against women.

“As a society, we must stop normalising these types of behaviours from men against women and stop making excuses for perpetrators. We must condemn violence against women and girls in all spaces.”

The post has sparked a broader conversation about domestic violence in the community, with many calling for greater awareness and support for survivors.

Advocates like Ms Ali continue to push for more resources and stronger action to protect victims and hold abusers accountable.

For those experiencing domestic violence, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre offers a range of support services, including counselling and emergency assistance, through their hotline and outreach programmes.

The story continues to unfold.

What is a DVRO?

A court may make a domestic violence restraining order for the safety and wellbeing of a person if satisfied that the person is, or has been, in a family or domestic relationship with the respondent, and

(a) the respondent has committed, is committing, or is likely to commit domestic violence against hat person or against another person relevant to the application, and

(b) the making of the order is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the person or another person relevant to the application, or both.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj