Violence against children leads to other problems

Violence against children knows no boundaries, it cuts across all religion, culture and no society is immune to it.

These were the comments made by Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni during the launch of the Child Protection Baseline Research yesterday.

Luveni reiterated it may differ in nature but the effects of violence on children results in greater susceptibility to lifelong social, emotional and cognitive impairments and to health-risk behaviours such as substance abuse and early initiation of sexual behaviour.

Luveni said as the number of violence cases against children continues to accelerate, it poses a greater challenge for the Government and for the people of Fiji in creating a conducive and safe environment for our children to grow in.

UNICEF Pacific representative Isiye Nadombi highlighted that the children's voices must be heard.