There has been a worrying 20 percent increase in crimes against women in the month of May this year whereby 37 percent of crimes were committed in domestic settings, mostly by spouses and partners.
This was revealed by the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu while speaking in his monthly press conference at the Police Headquarters this morning.
Tudravu says 89 percent of the cases were assault related, while 11 percent were related to sexual offences.
He says there is a concerning 25 percent increase in sexual crime, with 23 percent committed by individuals known to the victim.
He adds that this disturbing trend often involves close family members.
Tudravu says the family structure, which should be a source of safety and security, has become a place of vulnerability and betrayal.
He says there are more cases in isolated communities, and he is urging community and religious leaders to help law enforcement end the culture of silence.
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