More than 17,000 child-related calls were received by the Child Helpline Fiji 1325 in the last 10 years.
These shocking statistics were revealed by the Child Helpline Fiji Team Leader and Senior Counsellor Zeke White during the Medical Services Pacific 10th Anniversary of the National Child Helpline, marking a decade of supporting and protecting children across Fiji.
White says today's celebration reflects the courage of children who have reached out, and it is a testament to the strength of families who took the brave step to seek help.
He says it is a recognition of the dedication of every staff member, counsellor, partner organisation, and volunteer who has been part of this journey.
He adds that behind each call is a story, sometimes painful, sometimes hopeful, but always important.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran commended the work of the staff of MSP for their unwavering service in promoting and protecting the well-being of children.
She says from the statistics provided by MSP, 17,515 child-related calls were recorded on Child Helpline in the past 10 years and of these calls 4,069 reports of abuse were made under the Child Welfare Act.
She says 601 cases were recorded in 2023, and 650 cases in 2024.
She also raised concerns on the more than 60,000 prank calls and 24,291 silent calls, urging the public not to abuse the services.
She also wonders whether these silent calls were a call for help, whether they were getting the strength to talk, or if it was just children picking up the phone and wondering if the line works.
The Minister also revealed that five out of six children in Fiji have suffered violence in their own families.
She says the multi-indicator cluster survey by the Bureau of Statistics indicates that 80 percent of our children between the ages of 1 to 14 years experience violent discipline, which includes physical punishment.
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