Fiji grapples with rising crime as children, elders face vulnerability

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Women minister Sashi Kiran smile away at parliament, on Mon 04 Aug 2025. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

Sexual offences increased by 28 per cent according to the Fiji Police Force’s latest crime statistics in June, says Minister for Women and Children Sashi Kiran.

Speaking at the Sathya Sai Service Organisation-National Ladies Retreat in Rakiraki last Sunday, Ms Kiran said 60 per cent of the victims were under the age of 18.

“Crimes against children rose by 8 per cent, with over 50 per cent involving sexual abuse and nearly a quarter committed within family homes,” she said.

“Domestic violence remains widespread, often committed by those closest to the victims.

“These are atrocities against our daughters, our sisters, our mothers. And they deserve better.”

Meanwhile, Ms Kiran said another issue prevalent among our communities today was the neglect and abuse of our elders.

“Our ancestors lived by principles —those of respect, love, and care of our elders — elders were treated as the pillars of wisdom, keepers of tradition, and guardians of family values.

“They nurtured us with compassion, disciplined us with love, and shaped us to become the people we are today.

“In return, they deserve nothing less than our love, honour, and care. And yet, we are witnessing a tragic shift today. Elder abuse comes in many forms — financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, and social neglect.

“And most distressing of all — two-thirds of abusers are adult children of the victims.”