The number of children experiencing sexual abuse from those they love and trust is on the rise. This concerning trend, particularly concerning abuse within familial relationships, is highlighted in the monthly data released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Assistant Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, has expressed deep concern over the high rates of child abuse in the nation, emphasizing that the statistics should prompt reflection and shame for Fiji as a society.
In August, over 70 charges related to sexual offenses were filed against 26 individuals, as disclosed by the ODPP. Their monthly update on serious sexual offenses indicated that one juvenile was among the accused, with a total of 24 victims, 15 of whom were under the age of 18. Among these victims, there were two males and 22 females.
The majority of the reported cases involved relatives committing abuses against minors. Notable cases included a 76-year-old man charged with the rape of his eight-year-old granddaughter, and a 56-year-old man facing charges of raping his 16-year-old granddaughter on three occasions. Another case involved a 72-year-old man charged with raping his 17-year-old stepdaughter, though this case was discontinued following the death of the accused.
Additionally, a 40-year-old man was charged with nine instances of rape against his eight-year-old daughter, while a 35-year-old man faced charges for one count of rape and five counts of sexual assault against his 14-year-old stepdaughter. A 56-year-old man was also charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against his 13-year-old niece.
Moreover, a 21-year-old man was charged with the rape of his 25-year-old niece, and a 40-year-old man faced multiple charges, including two counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault against his 17-year-old niece.
The ODPP noted that eight cases were discontinued after nolle prosequi were filed due to a lack of sufficient and consistent evidence.