The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Fiji has released its consolidated statistics for serious sexual offenses for the year 2025, specifically detailing formal indictments filed in the High Courts from January 1 to December 31. This report brings to light the troubling prevalence of sexual violence, particularly in domestic relationships and among individuals who are known to the victims.
Notably, the ODPP reported that 63 of the offenses occurred within domestic relationships, highlighting a significant concern regarding sexual violence in households and close-knit communities across Fiji. The statistics reveal shocking instances of abuse, particularly involving minors. Among the accused were a 12-year-old boy charged with raping his 6-year-old cousin and a 13-year-old boy charged with the rape of a 5-year-old girl from his village. The youngest victim was a mere 4 years old, allegedly assaulted by her 53-year-old father. Additionally, another case involved a 5-year-old girl who was reportedly raped by her 74-year-old grandfather.
As of December 31, 2025, the High Court recorded 126 indictments associated with a total of 252 counts of serious sexual offenses. A total of 141 individuals were charged in connection to these offenses. Disturbingly, 20 of those accused were juveniles under the age of 18. The charges included 174 counts of rape, 2 counts of attempted rape, 3 counts of aiding and abetting rape, alongside counts of incest, sexual assault, and other related crimes.
Of the 135 victims identified in these cases, 79 were minors, with a significant majority of the victims being female—120 females and 15 males. This data underscores a critical need for heightened awareness and intervention strategies to address the alarming rates of sexual violence affecting both young and vulnerable populations in Fiji.
As Fiji continues to confront this pressing issue, there is hope that increased attention to these statistics will lead to more comprehensive measures for prevention and support for victims, fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
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