Police reaffirm zero tolerance on gender-based violence

Every report of gender-based violence made to a police officer must now be referred to the nearest police station within one hour under the Fiji Police Force's strengthened commitment to protecting survivors and improving access to justice.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration) Jovilisi Leweniqila announced the measure at the launch of the revised Fiji National Service Delivery Protocol Responding to Gender-Based Violence Cases in Suva yesterday.

Mr Leweniqila said the Fiji Police Force viewed gender-based violence not only as a criminal offence but also as a serious violation of human rights that required compassion, professionalism and stronger collaboration among government agencies.

He said the Police Force already operated under a Gender-Based Violence Policy that established zero tolerance for all reported cases and guided officers on receiving, investigating and managing complaints.

Mr Leweniqila said the revised protocol would strengthen the police response by improving access to justice, enhancing services in rural and maritime communities, and addressing harmful social norms that fuel violence.

He said the Sexual Offences Unit would continue specialised training to improve the handling of cases involving women, children and other victims of crime.

The Police Force would also continue working closely with the judiciary on Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and with government agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and healthcare providers to strengthen support for survivors.

The Community Policing Unit would continue conducting awareness programmes on gender-based violence in schools, villages and communities.

Mr Leweniqila said the Fiji Police Force had also committed to a 24-hour turnaround time on gender-based violence cases, increasing the number of female officers in frontline policing roles, strengthening the recording and monitoring of GBV offences, and mainstreaming gender across recruitment, training and leadership.

"Our vision is clear. A Fiji where every survivor of gender-based violence feels safe to report, confident in receiving justice, and supported in rebuilding their lives," he said.