One child abused is one too many, and the latest statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) paint a deeply disturbing picture of sexual violence against children in Fiji, much of it occurring in places meant to offer safety, love and protection.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has described the latest ODPP figures as “deeply disturbing and heartbreaking”, stressing that they represent far more than statistics.
Kiran says these are children whose innocence, safety and trust have been shattered.
The ODPP statistics reveal that 126 cases involving 252 counts of serious sexual offences were filed in the High Court last year.
A total of 141 individuals were charged, including 20 juveniles under the age of 18.
Of the 135 victims, 79 were children, with 120 females and 15 males recorded.
The offences include 174 counts of rape, two of attempted rape, three of aiding and abetting rape, one count of incest by a relative, one act with intent to commit rape, 11 counts of indecent assault, four of defilement and 56 counts of sexual assault.
Among the most harrowing cases highlighted are those involving extremely young victims.
These include the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl by her father, a five-year-old girl allegedly raped by her 74-year-old grandfather, and cases where children themselves are accused perpetrators, including a 12-year-old boy charged with raping his six-year-old cousin, and a 13-year-old boy charged with raping a five-year-old girl from his village.
Of particular concern is the ODPP’s finding that 63 of the offences occurred within domestic relationships or involved accused persons known to the victims.
This, Kiran says, exposes a painful reality that sexual abuse of children in Fiji is often hidden within family homes and shielded by silence in close-knit communities.
She is calling on religious leaders, traditional leaders, teachers and community leaders to take a more active role in openly addressing child protection, warning that stigma and silence allow abuse to continue.
The Minister is also urging parents, relatives and neighbours to listen carefully when children attempt to disclose abuse.
She says a child who speaks up is seeking protection, not trouble, adding that children must be taught that their bodies belong to them, that they have the right to say no, and that they will be believed and protected if they speak out.
Kiran says the Ministry will continue strengthening child protection systems and working closely with Police, teachers, medical and legal professionals, civil society organisations and faith-based groups to improve reporting mechanisms, counselling services and preventive education.
However, she stressed that lasting change must begin at home and within communities.
Children who need help should use the National Child Helpline 1325.
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