European Union’s Head of Corporation for the Pacific, Christoph Wagner

Faith based organizations play a huge role in changing the attitude and beliefs of society to ensure people reject violence against women and girls.

European Union’s Head of Corporation for the Pacific, Christoph Wagner says more than 1500 cases of domestic and gender based violence were recorded last year, which included more than 40 children.

Wagner believes working with religious leaders will help them change society’s mindset.

“There is a complete wrong perception that religion justifies violence. There is also wrong perception on male authority as it is not about violence and I think this has to be made very much clear.”

Wagner adds this is not easy and will take some time but support from relevant stakeholders such as the Fiji Women Crisis Centre is necessary.

Meanwhile, the EU and the Australian Government have partnered to coordinate a $46.72 million dollar programme, which is the region’s single largest project to date in order to address domestic violence.