Increase in reports of crimes against women for last month is a major concern – Acting COMPOL

Alarming statistics have been released about crimes against women last month as it increased by 12 percent, and the Fiji Police Force received 200 reports compared to 178 for the same period last year.

Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew says the increase in reports of crimes against women for last month is a major concern.

He says in the crimes against women Key Performance Indicators for last month, the Southern and Eastern divisions recorded increases of 50 percent and 30 percent respectively, the Northern division remained at 0 percent, while the Western and Central divisions recorded a decrease.

The Acting Commissioner says out of the 200 cases reported, 33 were domestic-related, where the perpetrators were the victims' husbands, de-facto partners, uncles and in-laws.

83 percent were assault-related, 17 percent were sexual offences, and 96 percent were family members in domestic settings.

Chew says crimes against children remained unchanged as 106 reports were received for the 2022 and 2023 reporting period.

He says from the 106 reports, 14 cases were domestic related where the victims were perpetrated by a parent, cousin, uncle, aunt or other family members.

The Police Force is again calling for a holistic approach in addressing the offences that are mainly being perpetrated by trusted male family members.