Domestic Violence – Communities
If a Leader or volunteer encounters a domestic violence incident with a child or family member when on project, the key process points are highlighted below.
Please note, according to Fijian law all cases of domestic violence must be reported and responded to within a 48 hour window of the initial incident.
Step By Step Process following a domestic violence case in a community:
Step 1 – Leaders update Project Coordinator of an Incident
1.1 – Project Coordinators inform Management
1.2 – Management inform H&S Coordinator
Step 2 – Project Coordinator requests Leader to forward all information / details on incident, based on volunteer / leader experience of incident.
2.1 Project Coordinator forward info to Management
2.2 Management forward info to H&S Coordinator
2.3 Leaders advise Team that information has been forwarded for review by H&S Coordinator, and next steps.
Step 3 – H&S Coordinator reviews information, and contacts TNK to raise the incident
3.1 PC advises Leaders on when a call is due to take place, for their awareness.
Step 4 – TNK Discussion – Actionables
Outcome A) H&S Coordinator to reaffirm to TNK our Duty of Care to Volunteers, and Communities, and our obligations under Fiji Law (Child Protection Policy) and local Partnerships (Govt Ministries) to refer and report instances of domestic violence, and to seek TNK’s assistance in disseminating the information to the community members.
Outcome B) As above, AND incident is referred to the relevant local Ministry / Agency as outlined under the Fiji Child Protection Policy.
NB: Outcome B is determined based on the incident that took place, and the Child Protection guidelines.
Step 5 – PC to be advised on outcomes of discussion, and actions to be taken.
5.1 PC advises Leaders on outcomes and actionables.
Step 6 – All information obtained from the above steps is to be reflected on the incident spreadsheet on the safeguarding sheet by the H&S coordinator. This should be done in real time, so as soon as information is relayed it is added to the ongoing report until it is resolved.
Volunteer Safeguarding
If it is a volunteer who reports the incident / sees domestic violence in the home, it is key that leaders are proactive in checking in with them, and ensuring they feel safe and comfortable within the home. If they do not, you must inform your Project Coordinator and together discuss a case-by-case solution to the situation (which may vary depending on the volunteer response or the severity of the situation.)
Remit & Capacity – Think Pacific
It’s important that we are all clear and congruent that Think Pacific does not have the remit, or capacity, to provide direct intervention in domestic violence incidents, and would not at any time or stage speak directly with the perpetrator or victim in regards to the incident itself. Our process is centred on:
a) Clear and consistent dialogue with the TNK as the designated contact point for the Village under the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and
b) Referral processes as outlined under the Child Protection Policy.
Wider Team Discussion
It is important to address the issue with the team, and inform them of the process being implemented, and the expected outcomes or resolutions. Also offer them the opportunity to speak with you one to one if they would like to.
Volunteers often want to directly intervene, or for TP to intervene, following such incidents. It’s important to be clear that TP is an organisation focused upon Youth programmes, and such issues require significant training and qualifications which is why the referral process with Save the Children/Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, and police if necessary is in place and key at that time.
Incidents of domestic violence are incredibly saddening and difficult for volunteers / all, and it is very important for Leaders to be proactive in speaking to the Project Manager so incident is raised quickly with the TNK, whilst keeping the team informed of steps taken and avoiding any escalation within the community.