Indecent insulting or annoying any female, rape, and indecent assault remain the top three reported sexual offences in the Northern Division, with 203 cases in 2022, 157 cases in 2023, and 132 cases last year.
This was revealed by Acting Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga when questioned on gender based violence and services available during the Fijian Media Association's Meet the Public and the Press session held in Savusavu.
A Savusavu resident says there are so many incidents of gender based violence behind closed doors in villages and even in the town.
She says national data shows that nearly two-thirds of women in Fiji have experienced physical or sexual violence which is 64 percent of women.
She also says it is also high and if not, even higher in Savusavu.
ACP Lutunauga says in Savusavu alone, police recorded 20 cases of sexual offences in 2022, 34 in 2023, and 28 cases last year.
He says as part of the Fiji Police Force’s restructure and reform plan, there are ongoing efforts to establish a Family Protection Unit.
He further says this Unit will be set up to ensure women can report cases in privacy and have them handled appropriately.
He adds that the new Unit will cover cases related to sexual offences and matters under the Juveniles Act.
The FMA Meet the Public and the Press will be held in Labasa at 7pm tonight at the Fiji Football Association Conference Room.
Please get the venue by 6pm to 6.30pm to get your seats.
The forum will also be livestreamed on our website, fijivillage from 7pm tonight.
