International domestic violence ’Talanoa’ brings specialists together from Melanesia

Participants in the Talanoa share their experiences. An international collaboration between academics at the Security, Crime, and Intelligence Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, the University of the South Pacific and Queensland University of Technology has provided an opportunity for specialists to share knowledge and best practices in relation to responding to family and domestic violence in Melanesia. 'Talanoa', derived from the Fijian, Samoan, and Tongan languages, translates to "talk" or "discussion." It represents a unique style of dialogue found in the Pacific Islands, where individuals come together to openly exchange differing perspectives, free from any predetermined pressure to reach a consensus. In Talanoa, participants themselves establish the guidelines for their conversations, emphasizing values such as inclusivity, reconciliation, and mutual respect. The Talanoa were funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund along with the Australian Institute of Police Management, were held on 27-28 March 2023 in Suva, Fiji. Attendees included approximately 20 key frontline and regional stakeholders from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu representing police, government and NGOs providing services to victims of family and domestic violence (FDV). Country representatives unanimously recognised the importance of collaborative efforts among local partners to deliver effective, efficient, and well-coordinated services for FDV survivors.