Kerry Carrington, Melissa Jardine, Helen Singh and Carla Chan Unger
School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant issue in Pacific Island communities, where women report lifetime prevalence rates of violence ranging from 60 to 80 per cent (UNICEF, 2017). The Pacific Island of Fiji, which is the focus of this case study, has some of the highest rates of GBV in the world. Over half of Fijian women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime, nearly double the global average. This research aims to inform the development of more effective policing strategies, legislative reforms, and service delivery for victims, all in line with a human rights and victim-centred approach.
This research presents a detailed perspective on the challenges and opportunities in tackling sexual and domestic violence within the Fijian context. It is based on extensive interviews conducted with 58 diverse participants, including police officers, government officials, UN representatives, civil society members, and senior justice leaders.
This moment in Fiji’s history is transformative, marked by significant changes in both national leadership and the leadership of the Fiji Police Force. These shifts present a unique opportunity to rethink and reform police responses to GBV. The introduction of the Restore Blue Policy under the former Acting Commissioner Juki Fong Chew represents a significant step forward, as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and effectiveness within the force with renewed dedication.
The report presents the findings from an in-depth study conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers who specialise in criminology, gender and LGBTQI+ studies, policing, and community development. The team, which included researchers from Australia and Fiji, was funded by the Australian Research Council. This research explores the complexities of responding to gender-based violence in Fiji and examines how the police can better support victims. The study investigates how the police handle cases of sexual and domestic violence, evaluates the effectiveness of current practices, and identifies opportunities for meaningful improvements.
The key evidence-based recommendations include: prioritising leadership-driven cultural change, expanding the Sexual Offence Units to encompass domestic violence, enhancing the role of Community Posts in investigating gender-based violence, and reforming outdated laws and policies, such as the No-Drop Policy.
Acknowledge: Australian Research Council ARC DP 210100546 and the Support of the University of the Sunshine Coast.
