FWRM hits out at police

Another women's organization in Fiji has expressed disappointment with the Fiji Police Force (FPF) for its "blatant disregard" of its duty to manage immediate harm and risk in handling domestic violence cases. This comes after a clash this week between the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre (FWCC) and the FPF, following FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali's criticism of the police's inefficiency in enforcing the no-drop policy and their response to domestic violence cases.

Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew subsequently defended his organization, stating that Ms. Ali's comments were "malicious" in nature and aimed at discrediting the police force. In response, Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM), stated that this ostrich mentality is costing lives in a country with a very high rate of violence against women and girls.

The FWRM also expressed concern over the FPF's response to Ms. Ali, stating that the police's comments suggest a situation of shifting responsibility. "Stop attacking the woman who has been calling out injustice and start looking for viable solutions to support the work of women’s rights organizations to stop violence," Ms. Singh said. "FWRM research shows that women take a total of 868 days (about 2.5 years) before seeking help, and when they do, their experiences include only 50% of women feeling safe at the police station."

"Female victims/survivors are sexually harassed or threatened by police (eight women stated they were sexually harassed or threatened by police), and only 37% are referred to other services such as safe houses, medical and counseling assistance. These barriers always send women back into abusive relationships. A woman who runs to the police station seeking protection from her husband or partner must be treated with urgency and care. It is a matter of life and death for many women now."

Ms. Singh stated that they have been highlighting the issues with the police for decades and have worked with the police to explore how best to provide assistance. "Our role is to call out those who have responsibility to be accountable, especially in a situation where it is costing lives." The FWRM has called on the Fiji Police Force to do better and improve their services to better understand the situation and build public trust.