Traumatic experiences can damage a person’s sense of safety and security - Vuniwaqa

Traumatic experiences can damage a person’s sense of safety and security, as well as the ability to cope with emotions and relationships.

These were the words of the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa while opening the “Come Play with Me Fiji” Conference at Novotel this morning.

Vuniwaqa also highlighted that Play with Me, is a proven child therapy.

She adds that Come Play with Me aims to educate, invigorate and build the capacity of social workers and allied professionals to be in a better position to deal with the trauma suffered by victims of domestic violence, disasters and even bullying.

The Minister for Children stressed that it is a known fact that  the knowledge and skills are needed so that professionals, like the chosen participants, can better respond to trauma caused by events like natural disasters, war, family violence, suicide, mental disorder and marital affairs.

Vuniwaqa says it is real that trauma will affect relationships with friends, family and at work adding that traumatic consequences can be on a child, a woman, a man, a family, and relationship failure has been noted as the main reason why people commit suicide and attempted suicide.

She also highlighted 620 people committed suicide over the last five years while 579 people were reported for attempted suicides.

Vuniwaqa says with this set of targeted objectives and the alarming statistics and magnitude of child abuse in Fiji, the 2 day training is important, timely and appropriate.