Crimes against women saw a concerning rise of 19 percent in April, according to the latest statistics presented by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu during a press conference. While incidents of violence against women increased significantly, offenses against children decreased by 4 percent.
From the 233 cases reported involving crimes against women, a staggering 47 percent occurred within domestic environments, primarily perpetrated by spouses or partners. The majority of these offenses—89 percent—were assault-related, with the remaining 11 percent classified as sexual offenses. The data indicates that women between the ages of 18 and 38 represented a significant proportion of the victims.
Commissioner Tudravu emphasized the emotional nature of crimes against women and children and called for continued public engagement in addressing the root causes of these issues. “We will continue to seek public support in identifying and tackling the root causes of these moral crimes,” said Tudravu. The Fiji Police Force is working collaboratively with various community and religious groups to enhance protective measures for vulnerable populations.
This narrative of rising violence against women echoes similar themes highlighted in earlier reports, which noted a 39 percent rise in crimes against women in previous months, with a notable 88 percent of those incidents related to assault. Despite the troubling statistics, there is hope that through strong community engagement and targeted prevention measures, the situation can improve for women and children in the society.
Overall, there remains a critical need for continued efforts and initiatives aimed at addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety of both women and children.
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