Irene Assists Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors

Irene Lata’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and a relentless drive to make a difference in the lives of women affected by domestic violence.

As a single mother herself, Irene has faced her share of challenges, choosing not to remarry based on her personal experiences. These challenges have deeply shaped her understanding of the struggles faced by women in similar circumstances and inspired her unwavering commitment to her work.

As a Senior Counsellor at Birth Fiji, Irene plays a pivotal role in supporting survivors of abuse, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope. But her story didn’t begin in a position of leadership—it started with a humble step into volunteering.

In 2020, Irene joined Birth Fiji as a volunteer administrative support officer. While she carried out her duties diligently, she found herself drawn to the core work of the organization: providing psychosocial support to individuals in distress. Inspired by the transformative work being done around her, Irene made a bold decision—she went back to school. Balancing her responsibilities with her studies, she earned a Diploma in Counselling from the University of the South Pacific. Today, Irene is a Professional Counsellor, a role she embraces with unwavering commitment.

“Normally, we are working on mental well-being,” Irene shares. “We work with people suffering from stress, depression, and trauma. Cases of domestic violence, child abuse, grief, and loss are common. Our aim is to bring healing and help people see that life can improve.”

The cases Irene and her team handle are as varied as they are heart-wrenching. Survivors of domestic violence, young women with nowhere to turn, and families shattered by drug abuse and neglect are just a few of the situations they encounter. Irene’s work extends beyond the office—she and her team visit bedridden clients, deliver much-needed items like donated diapers, and ensure that clients from rural areas have bus fares to attend counselling sessions.

“Our work often means helping women who are deeply traumatized,” Irene explains. “Some of them have been subjected to physical and emotional abuse by husbands who struggle with substance addiction. Their children, too, are affected, living in environments filled with violence and neglect. We provide therapy to help them heal from trauma, and when needed, we refer cases to other specialized services.”

Irene’s dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Clients often express gratitude for the impact counselling has on their lives. “They tell us that their lives have been changed,” she says with a smile.

Reaching these clients isn’t always easy. Many learn about Birth Fiji’s services through referrals, the organization’s website, or word of mouth. Others are connected through partnerships with organizations like the Women’s Crisis Centre or Homes of Hope, where young mothers and women escaping domestic violence find shelter and support.

For Irene, the work is deeply personal. “Every time I see someone take a step toward healing, it reminds me why I chose this path,” she reflects.

This 16 Days of Activism, Irene’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for survivors of domestic violence and creating spaces for healing and empowerment. From volunteer to professional counsellor, her journey is a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose.

Through her work, Irene not only changes lives—she inspires hope.

ABOUT OUR GRANTEE PARTNER – BIRTH FIJI

BIRTH Fiji (Building Individual Resilience Through Holistic services) is a community-based organization committed to improving mental well-being and supporting survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and trauma. Through counselling, outreach, and partnerships with shelters and crisis centers, BIRTH Fiji provides therapeutic care and practical assistance to empower individuals and families in need, fostering healing and hope in the community.