Tragic surge in domestic violence: Three lives lost in Fiji amid call to action

This story contains references to violence, suicide, and death.

Fiji Police have confirmed that three people have died and one person has been admitted to the hospital due to incidents of domestic violence.

Two women and a man lost their lives, while another woman is receiving treatment at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, following separate cases of domestic violence.

Human rights advocates say they are frustrated at the lack of action against domestic violence in the country.

A police spokesperson says one of the incidents is believed to involve murder-suicide.

“In the first case reported at the Raiwaqa Police Station, a couple have lost their lives in an alleged murder-suicide case," a statement read.

"Police officers had responded to a case of domestic disturbance as the couple were heard arguing, and upon arrival at the couple’s flat at the Lagilagi Housing complex, officers found the two victims with visible wounds and motionless in what is believed to be a case of alleged murder-suicide. The area has been cordoned off as investigations continue."

In the second case of alleged domestic violence, police discovered a woman in her 20s dead in her home on Kerebula Road in Nadi, with visible injuries.

"The victim’s partner, a man in his 40s, is alleged to have stabbed the victim, causing her serious injuries, resulting in her death. The suspect was arrested and is currently in police custody," the spokesperson says.

Two-thirds of women in Fiji have experienced some form of violence, according to the country's crisis centre.

“In the third report, a woman was found by police officers outside an apartment complex in Suva with visible injuries, allegedly inflicted by her partner.

"She was rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment as the search continues for her partner.”

Fiji has one of the highest rates in the world, with two-thirds of women experiencing some form of partner violence, according to the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre.

In August 2024 alone, police reported 184 cases of crimes against women, with 41 per cent being domestic-related incidents involving spouses or partners.

Shamima Ali, the centre's coordinator, criticised the police and the government for "making excuses" about how the authorities handle these cases.

"It is so difficult to shift patriarchy and the mindset," she told fijivillage.com. "There are so many excuses being made for the perpetrators.

Shamima Ali says she is frustrated over the inadequate response, highlighting systemic issues that perpetuate abuse. Photo/FWCC

"Ninety per cent of women do not report the domestic violence they endure at the hands of their partners, lovers, or husbands."

Ali says that women are often blamed when problems arise in a marriage.

She says many women remain in abusive relationships because of financial dependence, fear, concern about their children growing up without a father, and pressure from family, friends, or the community.

"These are all the reasons, and she loves the man despite it all. She hopes he will change his behaviour and stop treating her poorly, like a doormat or a dog, which often happens in such relationships.

"Poverty has a major role to play as a contributing factor to women remaining in violent relationships and not being able to get out."

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka issued a heartfelt and direct appeal to Fijian men, saying, “I can only urge the men of Fiji to be men.

Sitiveni Rabuka urges Fijian men to embrace their responsibilities and reject violence as a solution.

“Man up, and face your responsibilities as carers and defenders of your families. Real men do not hit women,” Rabuka told The Fiji Sun newspaper.

He described the recent increase in violence as a painful reminder of the deep-rooted social crisis Fiji continues to face, despite years of advocacy, legislation, and community programmes.

Police reported that the unfortunate incidents have claimed three lives and left one person with serious injuries.

“As investigations continue into all three cases, the Fiji Police Force is again urging members of the public not to resort to violence to resolve disputes.”

Watch as police remove the bodies of two people from a home in Suva.

Helpline in Fiji: Contact FWCC on +679 331-3300/+679 920-9470

In New Zealand:

• NZ Relay service(external link) - if you need assistive technology to get phone support.

• 0800 733 843 Women’s Refuge crisis line - free from any phone, 24 hours a day, every day.

• 0508 744 633 Shine Helpline - free from any phone, 9am to 11pm every day.

• 0800 456 450 It’s Not OK info line - free from any phone, 9am to 11pm every day.