Rise in reported crimes against women but most rape cases go unreported – Ali

The number of people reporting crimes against women particularly domestic violence, harassment and rape is increasing but the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre believes that less than 5 percent of the rape cases are actually being reported because the perpetrators are usually related to the victim.

This has been highlighted by FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali while speaking to fijivillage New following the Reclaim the Night march in Suva City last night where people came out in numbers to raise their voices against rape, domestic violence, police brutality, for resolving water supply issues and for people suffering in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, West Papua and other parts of the world.

She says about 96 percent of the perpetrators are people that the victim know and of that, 76 percent are relatives.

Ali says that has to be changed and we have to call it out, no matter who the perpetrator is.

While speaking about police response to crimes against women, Ali says they were in a bad situation particularly over the last four years but the last two years have been the worst ever.

She says they had a lengthy meeting with the Commissioner of Police last week where he has promised that they will be seeing changes and training of the police.

Ali says although the National Action to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls is in place, they need significantly more resources, as well as stronger government advocacy and action.

She says they fully support the policy and the support of organisations like the Women's Rights Movement, Fiji Women's Crisis Center, DIVA for Equality, and House of Sarah who have put in a lot and are being recognized.

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