During the recent commemoration of Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Day, Shairana Ali, the CEO of Save the Children Fiji, highlighted the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and educational support for families dealing with child abuse. Her remarks come in light of alarming statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which reported over 200 cases of child sexual abuse and more than 300 incidents of physical abuse or neglect in 2023.
Ali emphasized that these statistics represent real children who endure significant pain and struggle, asserting that society cannot remain passive in the face of such a crisis. She urged for a collective response involving government agencies, law enforcement, NGOs, educators, community leaders, and families to combat child abuse effectively.
Moreover, Ali pointed out that many instances of child abuse go unreported due to fear, shame, and societal normalization of violence. She stressed the importance of educating communities about recognizing the signs of abuse and encouraging open discussions around the issue.
Her call to action reiterates the shared responsibility to protect children’s well-being and foster an environment where every child feels safe, loved, and hopeful for the future. Ali’s message resounds with optimism, aiming to empower individuals to break the silence surrounding child abuse and actively support families in need.
As a hopeful next step, this collective effort can shift societal attitudes towards child safety, creating a supportive network that prioritizes the welfare of children, ensuring that they grow up free from harm and full of promise.
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