70 to 80% of physical violence inflicted on women in Fiji is by their intimate partner or their mother-in-law.
SUVA – This has been revealed by Doctor Tupou Wata in a presentation on violence against women and how the health professionals can act to ensure that the women are protected.
Two recent cases have been highlighted where women had to go for treatment at the Burns Unit.
It has also been revealed that a woman did not want to be discharged from hospital as she feared for her life if she returned home.
Whenever her time would come to be discharged, she would complain of shortness of breath and ask the doctor if she can stay in hospital.
It has been revealed that forms of abuse and violence on this woman included her partner pushing her face into hot water.
CWM Hospital’s Doctor James Fong said that such cases have to be referred to the Social Welfare Ministry and the Police.
It has been highlighted that the Domestic Violence Decree is also in place and victims should be protected and such cases have to be reported and an application for a restraining order can be made.
