VIOLENCE is not the answer to domestic dispute, says Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri.
This after a 36-year-old Nadi salesman was taken in by police for allegedly stabbing his defacto wife at Togomasi Settlement on Tuesday.
Insp Sokomuri said domestic dispute was one of the many causes of violence against women therefore men should not take matters into their hands if involved in such situation.
He said there were ways for couples and family members to sort their differences out rather than men resorting to violence.
"Violence is not the answer to solving domestic disputes," said Insp Sokomuri.
"Couples should understand each other's problems and communicate often to solve their differences.
"We have been having many cases of domestic violence in rural settings and the police is urging men to respect their wives and daughters."
Insp Sokomuri said the Nadi man who allegedly stabbed his defacto wife was in police custody and has been investigated for his action.
"The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim while they were cleaning their old home to later move in," he said.
"After stabbing the suspect locked the front door and left to fix a broken pipe, the victim managed to escape from the back door and alerted her family members.
"The victim is admitted at the Nadi Hospital and is in a stable condition while the suspect remains in custody."
In an unrelated development, the police are seeking the whereabouts of 18-year-old Shahil Reddy of Mataniwai in Tavua.
Insp Sokomuri said the teenager, who has been missing since March 15, was last seen leaving home to visit a pastor at Saweni in Lautoka.
"We are calling on the members of the public to contact the nearest police stations should they have any information or the whereabouts of this missing youth."