With an increase in cases of violence against women in church settings, homes and communities, the House of Sarah and Anglican Diocese of Polynesia have ventured out to work to begin with the Prevent Violence Against Women in Fiji’s Faith Setting.
Speaking to Fijivillage, Chairperson and Trustee of the House of Sarah Reverend Sereima Lomaloma says the House of Sarah also provides referrals and counselling to those who face violence in their homes and communities.
She says that some of the factors found to contribute to women and girls silence are that they maybe school dropouts, strong belief in taboos, fear of sharing ideas and stories and fear of being ridiculed if they were to report the violence they face.
Lomaloma says that the project is into its first phase and is being piloted in three communities in Newtown, Wailoku and Matata by 22 community activists.
She says that the project which uses the Start Awareness Support Action Faith Model looks at engaging women, men, boys and girls in working towards eliminating violence against women.
Lomaloma says that churches play a huge role in Fijian communities and with an increase in violence against women and girls in communities and churches highlighted in the media, the House of Sarah in partnership with various stakeholders are working to prevent this type of violence that has gone on for far too long.
The House of Sarah has officially launched the Prevent Violence Against Women in Fiji’s Faith Settings at its Headquarters in Suva with its partners.
