The Acting Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection, Salanieta Daunabuna, emphasized the critical role of parental responsibility in preventing child abuse and neglect at the International Day for Prevention of Child Abuse (PCAN) event held in Suva. While addressing participants gathered at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, she highlighted the responsibility of parents to ensure a safe living environment, fulfill basic needs such as food and shelter, and protect children from harmful situations.
Ms. Daunabuna pointed out that violence against children not only harms them individually but also disrupts societal well-being and incurs significant economic costs globally. According to data from the National Child Welfare Act, there were 1,477 reported cases of child abuse last year, with statistics showing that 54 percent of those affected were girls. The data indicated that a significant portion of victims suffered from neglect and other forms of abuse, with alarming numbers of children under the age of 12 being affected.
A noteworthy 72.7 percent of the perpetrators were known to the victims, with half being immediate family members. This highlights the urgent need for families and communities to participate actively in child protection efforts.
During her speech, Ms. Daunabuna introduced the frangipani flower as a symbol of child protection, representing not only the innocence of children but also the essential support systems in their lives, including families, communities, and schools. She stressed the importance of strong foundations to nurture children’s love, trust, protection, care, and respect.
Looking ahead, the 2024 PCAN theme, “Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story. It starts with us,” serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of supportive relationships. Ms. Daunabuna encouraged everyone to engage with children through the CHILD acronym: Communicate, Help fulfill dreams, Invest in their future, Love, and Devote time.
By fostering a nurturing and protective environment, families and communities can ensure children thrive and develop into successful individuals, thus strengthening society as a whole. It is a collective responsibility that, if acted upon, could transform lives and build a brighter future for the next generation.
This encouraging approach highlights the potential for positive change through community engagement and supportive relationships in the upbringing of children.
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