Reverend Kolivuso calls for Government ‘Department for Men’ to tackle child abuse perpetrators

I think it’s about time that our political leaders should have the political will to begin a department that deals with men, who are the perpetrators of child sexual abuse.

This was the striking call delivered by Reverend Manasa Kolivuso during the Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse in Fiji, held at the Novotel Conference Room in Lami.

Reverend Kolivuso urged national leaders, faith communities and traditional institutions to confront the uncomfortable reality that men are overwhelmingly responsible for sexual violence against children, yet remain the least targeted group in prevention efforts.

He says people talk about the victims and their protection, which he fully supports, but questions why men do not have a movement.

Reverend Kolivuso pushed for the creation of a government-funded Department for Men, arguing that with established departments for women, children and youth, it is long overdue for Fiji to develop a dedicated structure addressing men’s behaviour.

Throughout his speech, he also stressed the need for faith leaders to acknowledge the severity of the crisis.

He says that denial prevents action and allows the problem to grow.

As a pastor himself, he highlighted a worrying pattern in ministry: a tendency to prioritise spiritual matters while neglecting the social, emotional and physical realities affecting congregants.

Reverend Kolivuso also warned against the misuse of traditional reconciliation, saying that forgiveness must never replace justice.

He urged leaders to shift from reactive responses to proactive prevention, noting that while Fiji has research, data and policies, it lacks deliberate, intentional action.