UNICEF’s Child Mental Health Specialist, Dr. Koen Sevenants, has issued a significant warning regarding child sexual abuse in Fiji, highlighting that many victims may not comprehend the impact of their trauma until many years later. Recent data from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reveals that a staggering number of sexual offense cases, more than half of the 45 reported in the last four months, involve children.
Dr. Sevenants emphasizes the critical importance of early education about sexual abuse for children, particularly those under 11 years old, as they often carry unresolved trauma into their teenage years. “It is essential that we begin teaching children in Fiji about sexual abuse at an early age. They need to learn about the difference between good and bad touches and understand what actions to take if they experience a bad touch,” he asserts. He advocates for educating children from as early as five years old to empower them to know their rights and report incidents of abuse.
Minister for Children, Sashi Kiran, echoes these sentiments, explaining that most offenders are individuals familiar to the victims, including family members, neighbors, and trusted figures like teachers and religious leaders. She stresses the need for communities to increase their protective measures for vulnerable children, underscoring the heartbreaking reality that out of the 242 victims recorded last year, 152 were minors.
The recent rise in child sexual abuse has been acknowledged as a pressing crisis that requires urgent action. Previous reports have shown alarming trends, with a significant number of cases documented in recent years, peaking at 1,034 cases in 2022 before slightly declining in 2023. Additionally, the need for more comprehensive child protection initiatives is evident, as highlighted by the ongoing training programs led by Dr. Sevenants, where community leaders are being equipped with skills to support child abuse victims.
While the situation remains dire, the efforts of the Fijian government, alongside organizations like UNICEF, are beginning to shape a more informed and proactive approach toward protecting children. This ongoing commitment aims not only to address the immediate crisis but also to foster an environment where children can feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help when needed.
As community leaders and lawmakers continue to tackle these critical issues, there is hope that by increasing awareness and implementing protective measures, Fiji can pave the way for a future where children’s well-being is prioritized and safeguarded.
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