The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has strongly criticised the surge of victim-blaming and misogynistic comments circulating on social media following rape charges laid against two prominent football players.

FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali said the organisation stands in solidarity with the women who came forward, describing their decision to report rape and sexual assault as an act of courage in the face of public scrutiny, intimidation and disbelief.

Ali stressed that responsibility for rape rests entirely with the offender, not the survivor, and warned that blaming victims only strengthens a culture that protects perpetrators while discouraging others from seeking justice.

She noted that sexual violence remains one of the most underreported crimes in Fiji and worldwide, with many survivors reluctant to come forward due to fear of stigma, shame, trauma, retaliation and a lack of confidence in the justice system.

According to the FWCC, most perpetrators in Fiji are known to the survivor, often as partners, relatives or individuals within the same household, creating additional barriers to reporting abuse.

Ali said online comments that shame or discredit survivors further reinforce these challenges and can deter victims from speaking out.

The FWCC has urged the public to respect the legal process and avoid commentary that blames or humiliates survivors. The organisation also reminded women, girls and children that support is available through the Free National Domestic Violence Helpline 1560, which operates 24 hours a day.