Increase in domestic violence reporting but low number in rape reporting - FWCC

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has seen an increase in the reporting of domestic violence cases over the years, but there is a need for people to talk about rape cases as reporting is still low.

FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says only about 5 percent of the actual rape in this country are reported, and this is very low.

She says there is a need to strengthen their services and also law enforcement so that more women can freely come up and report.

Ali also highlighted that in the past, reporting on domestic violence has gone up to 7,000 and 8,000, and from January to December last year, it was more than 6,000.

Ali says domestic violence reporting also increased during the COVID-19 period as a lot of people faced challenges.

She says women tend to get stigmatized for reporting, but we need to change our mindset and talk about these issues as it is affecting families.