SUVA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Five women died in Fiji as a result of domestic violence this year, according to the Fiji Women's Crisis Center (FWCC) on Friday.

FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali said violence against women continued to take a toll and while five allegedly died at the hands of their husbands and partners, many others were left seriously injured.

Ali said the work to end violence against women in Fiji achieved several milestones this year despite challenges.

Between January and November, 1,510 new clients visited FWCC and its branches across the nation, she said, adding that of the total new cases reported, more than 40 percent cases were referred to the Fijian police. The majority of these new clients sought counselling for domestic violence.

The FWCC received reports of at least 46 child sexual abuse cases this year, she added.

Ali said there is a great need for all agencies and personnel working for eliminating violence to be on the same page and align with global best practice.

In 2017, Fiji launched a domestic violence toll-free helpline, in hope of reducing domestic violence against women in the country with a population of more than 880,000.