Woman killed after court protection order expired

May 7, 2026 | News | 0

The 37-year-old woman who was the victim in the recent Teouma shooting had sought urgent legal protection from her partner over alleged abuse and death threats, but was killed after the two-month Family Protection Order granted by the court expired.

The deceased, Rachel Steven, originally from Ambrym and residing at Teouma Chiko, was allegedly killed on 2 May by her de facto partner, John Iaris Iauko, from Tanna.

Court documents seen by this publication show Ms Steven applied for an urgent Family Protection Order on 19 February 2026 after reporting fears for her safety and a history of alleged domestic violence during the relationship.

In her application, Ms Steven said she feared for her life after receiving threatening messages from Iauko while she was in Australia employed as a seasonal worker.

She told the court that she believed she would be at risk upon returning to Port Vila, prompting her to seek police assistance and apply for a protection order. The application described a pattern of alleged domestic violence throughout the relationship, including physical violence, coercive behaviour and financial control.

Ms Steven said she regularly sent money to support her partner and family obligations while working in Australia under a seasonal employment contract signed in 2023.

She further alleged that after joining her in Australia for seasonal work, the defendant continued to demand money and later travelled within Australia, where an incident led to his return to Vanuatu before completing his contract.

The application also alleged that after returning to Vanuatu, he continued demanding money and made threats against her family if payments were not met.

Ms Steven sought court orders prohibiting the defendant from contacting or approaching her, her children and family members, entering or remaining near her family residence at Teouma Chiko, possessing weapons, damaging property, or engaging in behaviour harmful to family safety.

She also requested exclusive occupancy of the family residence, which she said was built on land registered under her parents, and where the defendant had allegedly refused to leave despite requests from relatives.

The court granted the Family Protection Order for a period of two months.

Despite these efforts, Ms Steven was killed on 2 May 2026 after the two-month protection order expired between February and April.

The case has raised concerns over domestic violence and the effectiveness of protection orders and intervention systems for women facing high-risk family violence situations in Vanuatu.

Ms Steven leaves behind children and grieving family members.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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