Fiji is being urged to prioritize the prevention of child abuse rather than only reacting to incidents after they occur. Ana Ratukalou, the Divisional Manager of the Sexual Crimes Unit at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, emphasized the need for a proactive approach during a recent discussion on child protection.
Ratukalou pointed out that prosecutors typically engage in the latter stages of the legal process, which begins only after police investigations are wrapped up. She highlighted the importance of stronger and more consistent application of existing child protection policies across various government sectors. While there are safeguards in areas like education and health, the challenges primarily lie in their enforcement and adherence.
She cited the success of school-based programs that teach children about “good touch and bad touch,” which have proven essential in helping young individuals recognize abuse and feel empowered to report it. Furthermore, Ratukalou noted that the DPP’s office actively protects child victims during legal proceedings by adhering to strict guidelines designed to prevent re-traumatization.
While Ratukalou acknowledged improvements in collaboration among government ministries and agencies, she stressed the urgent need for more decisive and uniform actions to enhance the protection of children nationwide. The call to shift focus to prevention reflects a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding children from harm before it occurs, a vital step in fostering a safer environment for the younger generation in Fiji.
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