Chiefs must use influence: Police

by Elenoa Baselala

Fiji Times - Monday, February 07, 2011

CHIEFS have a vital role in fighting domestic violence and child abuse cases in their communities, a traditional meeting of chiefs heard.

Speaking to chiefs at the Macuata bose vanua last Friday in Labasa, police officer Navitalai Sereivalu asked chiefs to work with police in combating such criminal activities.

Mr Sereivalu reminded chiefs of the influence they wield and how they could use it positively in the crime prevention.

Mr Sereivalu told the chiefs of Police Comssioner Ioane Naivalurua's commitment in eradicating domestic violence and child abuse; he added the vanua should follow suite.

Considering a high number of sexual-related crimes reported in Macuata over the past, Mr Sereivalu said it was only right that the fight started from the helm of the traditional body.

He told chiefs to work closely with their people and talk to them about the importance of respecting women and children in villages.

Mr Sereivalu said while chiefs would attend to working with their own people, police and other government authorities would support them with awareness programs.

Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere encouraged the chiefs to take the lead role in putting a stop to domestic violence and child abuse.

Ratu Aisea said the Macuata chiefs would work closely with the police and other Government departments towards the eradication of domestic violence and child abuse.