Support anti-violence campaign, Dr Luveni urges

Fiji’s Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni is calling on communities to join hands in eliminating all forms violence against women and children by supporting the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community (ZTVFC) campaign.

While officially launching the ZTVFC campaign at Lepanoni settlement in Deuba this week, Dr Luveni has urged community leaders, women and youth leaders to be aware and actively participate in this campaign.

She said this is in line with the existing Domestic Violence Decree, and the national commitment to Zero Tolerance of Violence against Women.

In 2011 a total of 15 local communities were declared zero tolerance violence free communities, and the ministry aims to increase this number by 15 communities annually.

Dr Luveni said the campaign calls for the set-up of a Gate Keeper’s committee made up of community leaders including women, youth and the local police that form community police teams with provisions of relevant trainings including anger management are conducted during the year.

She added that a strong community support sets the platform for communities to work together with police and relevant agencies in addressing the issues of violence.

Dr Luveni said one of the significant impacts of the ZTVFC campaign is continued dialogue between police and communities which has seen an increase in reporting of violence and abuse cases.

By Ropate Valemei