Filipinos in 30% of fatal domestic violence cases in Hawaii

SAN FRANCISCO—A week after Isagani Fajotina in Oahu, Hawaii allegedly killed his wife, Melita, after more than 35 years together, a study showed that Filipinos figured in 30 percent of fatal domestic violence cases in Hawaii within the last ten years.

The figure is startling as residents of Filipino descent make up 15 percent of Hawaii’s population. The new study was presented to lawmakers on Friday, January 22, according to a report by Hawaii News Now .

State Rep. Della Au Belatti, chairwoman of the House Health Committee, expressed shock at the high incidence of domestic violence in the Filipino community. Bellati said the study will help the state direct where resources are needed, and that competent training and services are called for.

The study also shows that most of the women killed sought help or had contact with up to four different agencies: law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, the courts, or health care providers.

Nanci Kreidman, of the Domestic Violence Action Center, says the findings underscore the need for increased interventions.

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