Starling figures of child abuse in Fiji have been revealed through a study conducted between 2017 and 2019, reflecting the rise of crimes against children in the country.
The Violence Against Children in Fiji scoping study report stated that 81 per cent of child abuse cases recorded and detected during the period of study were caused by male perpetrators aged between 11 and 40.
Naitasiri was also identified as the hotspot for child abuse and child violence in Fiji, recording 15.1 per cent of all cases pertaining to child abuse and child violence.
Suva recorded the second highest with 14.6 per cent, 10.5 per cent of the cases were recorded in Labasa and 7.4 per cent in Vuda and 5.6 per cent in Ba.
The report also found that about 72 per cent of child abuse and child violence perpetrators in Fiji are Christians.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya has issued a challenged to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Great Council of Chiefs, and the provincial councils to step up in terms of putting out positive parenting and mentoring, especially for men and boys.
