The Sexual Offence Unit of the Fiji Police Force has expressed concern about a disturbing trend involving an increase in youth-related sexual offences across the country. Sergent Una Mateiwai has drawn attention to the troubling statistics, highlighting Fiji’s high teenage pregnancy rates, with the youngest parents on record being a mother aged nine and a father aged 13. Additionally, offenders are reportedly becoming younger, with cases involving children as young as five years old.
Sergent Mateiwai urged for greater community involvement in safeguarding children while emphasizing that law enforcement should act only as a last resort. Her poignant statement, “Law has no village. No one is above the law. Law comes, does its part, and leaves,” underscores the necessity of community responsibility in addressing these issues.
During their awareness sessions in Rotuma, the police stressed prevention and educated participants on the legal ramifications of youth offences, aiming to curb this rising trend.
This local concern coincides with broader discussions prompted by reported statistics that, over the past five years, have seen 503 juvenile sexual offence cases, with 206 involving rape. These discussions have also considered changing the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, a move that has sparked debate regarding its implications for public safety and juvenile accountability.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, has voiced concerns that such changes could hinder accountability for young offenders and potentially increase serious crimes committed by children. He stressed the importance of a balanced approach between rehabilitation and accountability, emphasizing the role of families and communities in guiding youth towards positive behaviors.
These discussions reflect a critical consideration for Fiji, highlighting the need for community collaboration to foster a supportive environment that both guides and protects the youth. While the statistics are alarming, they present an opportunity for Fiji to adopt comprehensive prevention strategies and rehabilitation-focused policies that promote positive development among children. By encouraging community collaboration and fostering accountability, there remains hope for a safer and more nurturing future for Fiji’s younger generations.
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