VOLIVOLI Village in Sigatoka is the first village this year to adopt the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community program (ZTVFC).
The village now joins Koroipita settlement in Lautoka, Tavualevu and Namuaimada in supporting the Ministry of Women-driven initiative.
Women's Minister Dr Jiko Luveni said empowering communities to advocate for women and child protection was one of the key priorities of the government.
"The program was piloted in Koroipita, Lautoka and since then it has continued to expand with a total of 34 communities currently working with the government in eliminating all forms of violence against women and children," said Dr Luveni.
"This year the Western Division has taken the lead in this initiative with Volivoli Village being the first in Sigatoka to join the program."
Village head Rupeni Takavo said the village had not recorded violence in recent years and the zero tolerance program would further strengthen the peace and unity of his people.
"There are about 500 people in this village and we have committed ourselves to work with the government on the violence-free program," said Mr Takavo.
"We will develop a guideline and a disciplinary committee will be formed to ensure children are home by 6pm to focus on their studies. Villagers will be monitored as we don't want them wasting time drinking yaqona, we want parents to focus on their families' wellbeing.
"In our village meetings we have made the rule clear and have confirmed we won't tolerate any form of violence against women and children."