Concerns about crimes against children have intensified for the Fiji Police Force, with a reported eight percent rise in cases last month. Acting Police Commissioner ACP Sakeo Raikaci noted that the overall crime rate for September increased by 28 percent compared to the previous year.
In total, there were 117 cases of crimes against children, with 90 victims being girls and 27 boys. ACP Raikaci highlighted that 66 percent of these cases were classified as sexual offences, while 29 percent were assault-related, and five percent involved other types of offences.
Notably, the Western and Central divisions saw reductions in cases, down by 47 percent and 29 percent, respectively. However, other divisions experienced increases. Furthermore, 15 percent of the cases were deemed domestic-related, involving various forms of relationships like parent-child and uncle-niece/nephew.
The Acting Commissioner attributed the rise in crime against children largely to an increase in assault-causing actual bodily harm cases, which rose from 18 to 26 incidents.