Shocking $460M Price Tag on Violence Against Children in Fiji

A recent survey conducted by UNICEF and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection estimates that violence against children in Fiji costs the nation approximately $460 million, which is equivalent to 4 percent of Fiji’s GDP.

The report, titled “Economic Costs of Violence Against Children in Fiji,” highlights alarming statistics: 81 percent of children aged one to 14 experience some form of violent discipline, 65 percent face psychological aggression, and 68 percent undergo physical punishment at some point in their lives. Minister Lynda Tabuya endorsed the findings, which underscore the prevalence of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence that children endure on a daily basis in Fiji.

The study suggests that such experiences lead to detrimental effects on children’s physical and mental health and impede their education and overall quality of life. It warns that the long-term consequences of childhood abuse can perpetuate cycles of violence into adulthood, affecting the economic well-being of families for generations.

The estimated economic burden associated with violence against children includes $19.33 million in direct medical costs, $14.96 million in direct non-medical costs, $140.41 million in indirect tangible costs, and a staggering $285.12 million in indirect intangible costs.

However, there is a silver lining: the report indicates that this significant economic burden can be mitigated through targeted investments in interventions aimed at preventing and responding to violence against children. During a recent parliamentary session, Ms. Tabuya emphasized that the findings should inform the government’s Action Plan for 2022 to 2027, highlighting the necessity of funding child protection measures.

This report not only sheds light on the urgent need to protect children but also serves as a rallying call for collective action to foster a safer environment for future generations in Fiji. Investing in child protection is not just a moral imperative but a pathway to reducing long-term economic costs and enriching the overall well-being of society.

In summary, Fiji stands at a crossroads where it can choose to prioritize the welfare of its children, paving the way for a brighter and more secure future for all.