Financial exploitation of older people in Fiji has surged by 86 percent, rising from 29 cases in 2024 to 54 cases in 2025, even as overall reported crimes against people aged 60 and above recorded a 13.6 percent decline.
The statistics were highlighted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection as Fiji marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed annually on 15 June under the 2026 global theme Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.
They say Fiji Police data shows total cases involving older persons dropped from 1,945 in 2024 to 1,680 in 2025.
However, authorities say the nature of abuse is shifting, with financial crimes becoming a growing concern.
The Ministry says the theme calls for stronger action and practical systems to protect older persons, moving beyond awareness to prevention and enforcement.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran strongly condemns all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons, saying such acts are unacceptable in any form.
She says elder abuse can include physical, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect, and often happens behind closed doors, making it significantly underreported.
The Ministry stresses that older persons are entitled to live with dignity, safety and respect, and any violation of these rights will not be tolerated.
They say Police data further shows 159 cases of assault causing actual bodily harm involving older persons, along with incidents of criminal intimidation, trespass, online-related offences and money laundering targeting elderly victims.
Authorities also noted that the Western Division recorded the highest number of elderly victims, while the Northern Division has seen an overall increase in cases, raising concerns about the need for stronger protection measures nationwide.
The Ministry also raises concern over reports of older persons being neglected, abandoned or deprived of homes and property they worked for throughout their lives.
They say there is increasing cases of elderly persons being left in residential care facilities or even removed from their homes by family members who have a responsibility to care for them.
Ministry stresses that families remain the first line of protection for older persons, and children and relatives have a duty to ensure their ageing parents and loved ones are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
The Ministry also acknowledges ongoing national consultations on the Reviewed National Ageing Policy, saying the process is an important step in strengthening Fiji’s response to population ageing and ensuring that lived experiences of older persons are reflected in national policy.
They say the consultations will help develop a stronger framework for protection, service delivery and support systems for older persons.
As Fiji’s population continues to age, the Ministry says it is essential to strengthen prevention, reporting and response mechanisms to safeguard the wellbeing of senior citizens.
Minister Kiran is urging members of the public to report suspected cases of elder abuse to the nearest social welfare office or call the Empower Pacific toll-free line 5626 immediately.
She says protecting older persons is a collective responsibility and reflects the values of society.
Kiran says the way society cares for its elders reflects who they are as a people, adding that no older person should live in fear, neglect or isolation.
She says older persons cared for them, made sacrifices for their families and helped build the Fiji they know today.
The Ministry extends appreciation to caregivers, families, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and health workers supporting older persons across Fiji, while reaffirming the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening protection systems and safeguarding the dignity and rights of all older persons.
