Child Welfare National database recorded fewer cases last year but numbers could be higher - Akbar

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar says the Child Welfare National database recorded 1,518 case last year which is a decrease compared to 1,719 cases in 2020 but the numbers could be higher because children may not have had avenues to report because of COVID restrictions.

Akbar highlighted this during the launch of the National Safeguarding Policy Consultation Workshop at Tanoa Plaza in Suva. She says 70% of the cases reported last year were of child neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

The Minister further says domestic violence has taken lives and the biggest victims of domestic violence are our children.

Akbar says they need everyone to come together and find a solution.

She adds every Ministry and Government department engaged in activities that involve contact with children will be required to adopt the National Child Safeguarding Policy to develop their own Child Safeguarding Policy within six months of this policy being endorsed by Cabinet.