Crimes against women in Fiji accounted for 252 out of 1390 criminal cases recorded by the Fiji Police Force for January this year.
That accounts for a 10 per cent reduction in crimes against women when compared to 193 cases recorded for the same period in 2023.
According to police, of the 252 crime cases, more than 42 cases (17 per cent) were committed in the domestic setting, “primarily by spouses or partners”.
It added women between the ages of 18-38 represented the largest proportion of victims.
Fiji Police Acting Commissioner Juki Fong Chew also noted the worrying trend of assault causing actual bodily harm cases involving women – that increased from 139 cases recorded in January 2023 to 167 cases for the same period this year.
He said rape cases increased from 14 to 35 cases with some reports recording multiple counts.
The Southern, Western and Eastern divisions recorded increases in crimes against women, while the Northern and Central divisions recorded decreases.
Mr Chew said the increase was alarming and he called on community and religious leaders to help police curb all forms of violence against women.
“As majority of the cases are occurring within domestic settings, police need as much help as possible to address violence against women, and protect victims from the devastating consequences of these crimes,” Mr Chew said.
According to police, the most prevalent offences in January were:
- Assault causing actual bodily harm – 315 cases
- Theft – 280
- Unlawful possession of illicit drugs – 153
- Burglary and aggravated burglary – 138
- Criminal intimidation – 84 cases
