The Northern Division has the highest number of reported cases of child neglect and child abuse, says Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
During the recent handover of kitchen items in Namuka, Macuata, she highlighted to the Cakaulevu Women’s Club that this issue remained a significant concern for the Government.
“You are hearing a lot about children’s neglect and child abuse,” Ms Kiran said.
“Unfortunately, the Northern Division makes the biggest number. It has the highest reported cases of child neglect and child abuse.”
She said the Government would be working with the villages and tikina to address the issue.
“We’d like to work with the village, with the entire tikina, to see what can we do to make sure that our children, our future, are well protected from all forms of abuse.
“How do we actually help the prevention committees which can stop violence within their families, whether it’s children, women, older persons or people living with disabilities, because we are getting all those reports.”
Ms Kiran urged the village elders to assist the Government in addressing the issue.
“We are getting reports on the unfortunate crimes that are happening.
“You are in the community. You know which families are at risk, what can be done and how do we support you to make sure that the most vulnerable in the community are protected.
“Also, you are very connected to the open seas. And we have new challenge now of drugs, and injectable drugs.
“This can reach you.”
She said most communities were impacted and village elders could help in addressing the issue.
“We’d like to know from elders here as well, with your exposure, what is the challenge, the situation and what do you do to ensure that the elders of the community have the resources and tools to protect our young from drugs and from HIV.”