Save the Children Fiji says collective community action is delivering measurable improvements in child protection, following the completion of its Collective Action to End Violence Against Children project.
The project, implemented from 2021 to 2025, reached 24 communities, engaging 1,880 adults and 1,229 children. It brought together parents and families, community and church leaders, police, government departments and children to build a culture of zero tolerance to violence against children.
According to project outcomes, 87 per cent of parents demonstrated a high understanding of child protection systems — a significant increase from zero at baseline.
The use of physical punishment also declined, with 52 per cent of caregivers reporting smacking a child at least a few times in the previous month, down from 71 per cent at the start of the project.
Positive behaviour change was reported across households, with 82 per cent of parents saying they had improved their discipline practices.
Encouragingly, 81 per cent of children said they observed changes in how parents in their communities treat or speak to their children.
Confidence in reporting concerns also improved, with 89 per cent of adults saying they were more comfortable reporting child protection issues to the police or social welfare services.
Save the Children Fiji said every child has the right to live and thrive in a safe, caring family environment, free from violence. However, many children in Fiji continue to face harm in homes, schools and communities.
The organisation said the project strengthened national child protection systems, built community capacity, and promoted positive family relationships — demonstrating that coordinated action can create safer environments for children across Fiji.
