Out of the 344 crimes reported from 1st January to 31 July this year, 264 cases have been either related to rape or sexual assault.
This has prompted the Ministry of Youth and Sports to take a proactive role in creating awareness among youths and the impact of these cases on individuals, families and communities.
During an awareness session on sexual assault facilitated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at Davuilevu Primary School, Minister Laisenia Tuitubou said they are concerned with the recent statistics particularly with the rise in sexual assault and suicide cases affecting young people.
He says our youths need to be educated and should equally be able to recognise and report any such incidents if they were to occur.
Around 41 youths were part of the empowerment training and this will continue throughout other areas around the country.
