Save the Children Fiji (SCF) has called for swift action in the protection of two male teenagers featured in a video circulating on social media – being allegedly forced to perform sexual acts.
In a statement, SCF chief executive officer Shairana Ali said it was “appalling to learn of reports of the video circulating on social media which is showing children in their teen years being allegedly forced to perform sexual acts”.
“We are hopeful that the law enforcement authorities will take swift action to protect these children and the perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law,” she said.
“We are also urging the authorities to take swift action against those who continue to share the video through social media platforms.”
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) also called on authorities to promptly conduct an investigation into the video.
FWCC legal and advocacy officer Stephanie Dunn said they were aware of the video and condemned the uploading and sharing of disturbing videos in all forms online.
The video shows two young men, one performing oral sex on the other under duress from a man wielding a hammer.
Voices in the background berate the youths and tell them to look at the camera while performing the acts.
Ms Dunn said the impact of online violence on survivors was detrimental, forcing them to disengage from critical and lifesaving online spaces.
She said Fiji’s cyber legislation prohibited the uploading and sharing of obscene materials.
“The longer the post remains online, the more devastating the impact will be on the survivor,” she said.
She said the impact of online violence on survivors were that they became fearful, suffered from anxiety, stress, panic, sleeplessness, had lowered self-esteem or self-confidence, often isolated themselves, felt a sense of loss and mistrust and got depressed and suicidal.
“Do not give the power to the perpetrator by engaging and sharing such posts and also hold the perpetrator accountable by reporting and calling out their posts.
“For those who are experiencing online violence, it’s not your fault and help is always available for you.”
