Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Child Violence in Fiji: A Shocking $19.33 Million Impact

The direct medical costs associated with violence against children in Fiji were estimated to exceed $19.33 million in 2019, according to a UNICEF-led survey. Of this total, $7.66 million was specifically allocated to treating injuries sustained by affected children.

The study highlights that various health risks, including communicable diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and infectious and parasitic diseases, significantly contribute to the injuries experienced by children subjected to violence. Alarmingly, violence against children accounted for 14.14 percent of all injuries reported among local children.

The comprehensive report detailed the distribution of medical costs across different categories. It found that $9.01 million was spent on non-communicable diseases, while the costs for infectious and parasitic diseases totaled $2.61 million. Moreover, only negligible amounts were devoted to reproductive health and nutritional deficiencies.

The survey also revealed the psychological and behavioral repercussions of violence on children, broken down by gender. For males, early exposure to physical violence significantly increases the likelihood of alcohol and drug use, smoking, mental health disorders, and engaging in self-harm and interpersonal violence. Similar findings were observed for females, where childhood physical and sexual violence correlates with an elevated risk of substance abuse, mental health issues, and sexually transmitted infections.

This troubling data underscores the pressing need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect children from violence and support their well-being. As communities and governments come together, there is hope that such findings will lead to meaningful changes in policies, providing a safer and healthier environment for the future generation of children in Fiji.

In summary, the findings of this study reflect a significant public health issue that necessitates urgent attention and action to combat the lasting effects of violence against children.