Tatavola Matas, Coordinator of the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, says everyone failed to recognise that Rachel Limae Steven’s life was at serious risk and that gaps in the system contributed to her death.

She said when a client shares their story with authorities, their life must be treated as important, and perpetrators must not be treated the same. It is important to understand the history of violence and apply the law properly.

Rachel did not abscond as claimed on social media. She completed her three-year contract and returned to Vanuatu in February 2026. She had been in a relationship marked by controlling behaviour and ongoing domestic violence, including repeated death threats from her partner, John, who had previously chased her with a firearm.

After returning, Rachel applied for a Protection Order, which was issued on 19 February 2026. Her application clearly stated she had faced ongoing death threats, including threats that she would be killed upon returning to Vanuatu.

The application also requested that the court order police to remove any weapons from John, but the court issued only general conditions and did not order the surrender of weapons.

During later court reviews, the Protection Order was revoked despite the high-risk nature of the case.

Rachel later sought police assistance due to fear for her life, but officers allowed the perpetrator to enter the house with her, where he shot her. Questions have been raised about why standard police procedures were not followed.

The Vanuatu Women’s Centre acknowledged it also failed to follow up the case to ensure Rachel’s safety after the order was revoked.

The case highlights failures by the court, police, and service providers to work together and protect the victim.

Data from Vanuatu shows high levels of violence against women, with 71% experiencing at least one form of violence in their lifetime.

Matas says Rachel trusted the system, but the system failed her, and stronger coordination among agencies is needed to prevent similar cases in the future.

This statement is from the Coordinator of the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, Tatavola Matas.