$498m for domestic violence in 2011

Fiji recorded $498 million as a cost of domestic violence in 2011.

This was revealed to FijiLive by the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC) director Misaele Driubalavu.

Driubalavu said the cost is increasing every year as domestic violence continues to accelerate every year.

He said this is an additional $298 million from 2002.

Academic at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Professor Biman Prasad confirmed this at his presentation on efforts to address the issue of domestic violence which continues to be one of the greatest challenges faced by Pacific Island communities at USP early this year.

He pointed out that the government incurs the majority of the costs involved with domestic violence where these costs involve police, welfare and prison services, as well as the costs of medical treatment.

He concluded that the reduction in domestic violence can lead to economic and social prosperity.

Prof Prasad said this is approximately 6 per cent of Fiji’s total GDP.

Driubalavu said drugs abuse is a major contributing factor to women and child abuse in Fiji.
 
He said they are mainly targeting secondary schools around Fiji as this recorded to be the most drugs and substance abusers.
 
This is only possible if the ministry of education, non government organisations, faith based organisation, provincial councils, the vanua and private sector to collectively work to achieve their target.
 
By Ropate Valemei