A women’s advocate made an emotional plea for authorities to rescue a teenage girl allegedly being prostituted by members of her own family despite repeated reports made to 1325 toll free line – Child Helpline Fiji, operated under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection over several months.
Speaking at the Nasinu Women’s Forum at the Yatu Lau Hotel in Suva yesterday, Margaret Bennion claimed the child remained in danger while complaints lodged between November 2025 and May this year had yet to result in action.
“I have made several calls to 1325 toll free line to lodge a complaint against child exploitation,” Ms Bennion said.
“I called the line to complain since November last year to April 2026 and now May nothing has been done to help this young girl.
“There is a young girl being sold for cash by her mother.”
Ms Bennion said she had repeatedly contacted Child Helpline Fiji seeking intervention to protect the child but feared the girl continued to face abuse and exploitation.
During the forum, she also formally raised the matter with officials from the Department of Women and Children, urging immediate action to remove the teenager from her current environment.
“I want her removed from her home and placed in a safe space where she can return to school, receive counselling and be allowed to be a child again.”
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said authorities were checking on the complaint and noted that a police report number or a referral from the ministry would assist in verifying and progressing the matter.
Ms Bennion also called for increased night patrols and stronger parental involvement in protecting children from drugs, exploitation and abuse.
