Breaking the Silence: Culture, Faith & Domestic Violence with FDWA

In this episode of Mana Mind StrongHer, I sit down with Lizzie from FDWA Australia for an honest and deeply important conversation about domestic violence in our communities.Lizzie is a Fijian woman, a mum, a grandma, and a survivor of domestic violence. She shares her lived experience from over 20 years ago, a time when there was little awareness, limited support, and a strong expectation to stay silent for the sake of family, culture, and faith.We talk about how FDWA was born from a simple but powerful idea: creating a safe community space for Fijian women and families. A place where women are believed, supported, and not told to endure harm quietly.This conversation explores: • The reality of domestic violence in Fiji and the diaspora • How culture and faith can be taken out of context to excuse harm • Why silence is often mistaken for strength or respect • The importance of continuing talanoa, including within church spaces • How community-led organisations like FDWA support women through listening, safety planning, advocacy, and connection to servicesThis episode is not about blame. It’s about truth, safety, and breaking cycles that have gone unchallenged for too long.If this conversation resonates, I encourage you to learn more about and support the work of FDWA Australia and to continue these conversations in your own communities.