The number of children experiencing sexual abuse from those they love and trust is on the rise, according to troubling statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran has criticized the high levels of child abuse in Fiji, stating that these figures should prompt national reflection and shame.
In August alone, over 70 charges related to sexual offenses were filed against 26 individuals, with the ODPP reporting that one of the accused was a juvenile. Among the 24 victims, 15 were under the age of 18, with 22 being female and two male.
The majority of cases involved family members perpetrating abuse against minors. Notable cases include a 76-year-old man charged with raping his eight-year-old granddaughter, and a 56-year-old man facing charges of raping his 16-year-old granddaughter on three counts. A 72-year-old was charged with raping his 17-year-old stepdaughter, though proceedings were halted due to the accused’s death.
Additional cases involved a 40-year-old man charged with multiple counts of raping his eight-year-old daughter, and a 35-year-old accused of raping and sexually assaulting his 14-year-old stepdaughter. Another 56-year-old is facing charges of raping his 13-year-old niece, while a 21-year-old is charged with the rape of his 25-year-old niece. Furthermore, a 40-year-old man has been charged with various counts involving the rape and assault of his 17-year-old niece.
Eight of these cases were dropped after nolle prosequi were filed due to a lack of sufficient and consistent evidence.