GENDER-based violence is not limited to adults, with children increasingly falling victim to sexual and physical abuse, often at the hands of family members.
This was highlighted by Empower Pacific social worker Adi Selai Ritova while speaking during the International Women’s Day mini outreach program at Banisucu in Labasa.
Adi Selai said the organisation worked closely with hospitals, police, and social welfare to support survivors.
“Children are brought to the hospital by the sexual offense unit of the police. Medical care is provided, and Social Welfare refers the case to the organisation for counselling,” she said.
While cases do not happen every day, she said, nearly every month there are walk-ins or referrals for gender-based violence.
“Survivors receive social work support, counselling, and assistance to navigate the legal and medical systems.
“Abuse can be physical, sexual, or verbal, and the perpetrators are often family members, not strangers.
“Our role is to provide counselling and social intervention to help these children and survivors recover.”
She said the work of organisations like theirs was vital in breaking the cycle of abuse and supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives.
