AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES REPORT ON
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN MELANESIA

3 December 2008

The Australian Government’s Minister Counsellor for Pacific Development Cooperation, Ms Judith Robinson, today launched in Fiji the report of a major study, ‘Violence against Women in Melanesia and East Timor.’

The report2, commissioned by AusAID and developed in partnership with local and regional organisations, underlines that women in Melanesia, including Fiji, are victims of high levels of domestic and sexual violence1.

Women in Fiji3 are subject to physical, emotional, psychological and economic abuse; sexual assault and harassment; and commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.

“Violence against women and the broader problem of gender inequality is a significant constraint on development. It negates every area of development activity and is an abuse of human rights,” Ms Robinson said. ”Violence against women remains an under-reported crime throughout the world, including in Fiji. This is largely due to the stigma associated with reporting and being known as a victim, as well as constraints to accessing justice.”

The report highlights that women’s unequal status in the region is a major obstacle to reducing violence. This is reinforced by some customary practices and attitudes that put women at risk of violence. Alongside economic factors, such practices make it difficult for women to protect themselves from violence.

In terms of measures to reduce violence against women, of all the countries studied in this report, Fiji has taken the greatest steps forward. This is due to an active women’s movement in Fiji and the work of organisations such as the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC)4, the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) and the Regional Rights and Resources Team (RRRT).

Commending the FWCC, Ms Robinson said, “The FWCC plays a critical role in galvanizing public opinion and action around violence against women in Fiji and throughout the region. It serves as a regional centre of excellence, a leader in advocacy for women’s rights, and provides training and mentoring for other groups throughout Fiji and the Pacific region. We are pleased to support their work.”

The report provides a framework to address violence against women by increasing women’s access to justice and support services and changing attitudes and practices that encourage and condone violence. Drawing on the findings of the report, the Australian Government, in collaboration with local and international partners, will pursue new initiatives to tackle violence against women in Fiji, focussing on: support for reforms that strengthen women’s access to justice; community-level violence prevention and awareness programs, including through schools; and improving support services, including the health system.

**ENDS**