Shairana Ali, the CEO of Save the Children Fiji, has called for enhanced protective systems, improved educational resources for parents and caregivers, and increased support for children affected by abuse. These comments were made during the observance of Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Day.
Ali expressed concern over troubling statistics revealed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which indicate a significant rise in child abuse and neglect incidents. In 2023, the ODPP reported over 200 cases of child sexual abuse and more than 300 cases involving physical abuse or neglect.
“These figures represent real children, each with individual stories and suffering,” Ali stated, stressing the urgent need for society to engage actively in addressing this crisis rather than remaining passive bystanders. She emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to support families, raise awareness, and advocate for stronger child protection laws, fueled by the belief that every child deserves a safe environment to grow and thrive.
Ali urged the public to unite in this crucial mission. “It requires a collective effort from government agencies, law enforcement, NGOs, educators, community leaders, and families to put an end to child abuse,” she noted. Changing societal attitudes is a critical step in this process, as many instances of abuse remain unreported due to fear, shame, and the normalization of violence.
She highlighted the importance of educating communities about recognizing signs of abuse and the actions they can take to safeguard children.
This call to action serves as a reminder that with appropriate education, awareness, and collaboration, communities can work together to protect vulnerable children and foster an environment of safety and hope.
In summary, the article presents a significant social issue while promoting a hopeful and proactive approach to combat child abuse. By uniting efforts across various sectors, there exists the potential to create positive change and ultimately protect children who are at risk.
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