It was said that domestic violence is one main problems faced by many families in the Solomons but "women are still too afraid to speak out".

"The government together with the National Council of Women should recognise this issue as priority," Pauline Oli told Solomon Times.

The mother of three, Mrs. Oli, said with the change of lifestyle increasingly evident in the country, "we need to help address this issue before it gets out of hand".

She said responsible authorities should work with various women's groups to conduct awareness talks for women to understand their rights to put a stop on such violence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Women, Youth and Children, Peter Tom, in addressing this year's Women's Week had acknowledged that domestic violence denies the right of women to freedom, liberty and development.

Mr. Tom stressed that addressing the issue is not just the responsibility of the National Council of Women "but this requires all our efforts put together".

He said that his ministry will continue to provide the NCW with necessary support to help the women of this country.