STATISTICS soon to be released by police will reveal that rape and sexual offences against women and children happen during the same periods each year, says Acting Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.
“In the next week or so, we will be releasing crime stats for last year and this will show that in comparison to previous years, sexual offences against women and children are increasing,” he said.
“The statistics will also show that there is a trend and that these crimes spike at the same time each year.”
Brig-Gen Qiliho said police could not single-handedly address the issue.
“We need religious, civic and community leaders to start talking on these issues.
“We can no longer remain silent on the subject because it is affecting the lives of innocent children and women.”
Citing his discussions with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, he said: “We have come to the conclusion that now we have the statistics and know when these events are most likely to happen that we have to speak to students.
“Teachers need to speak to students about the issue and school heads need to address students in assembly during the last week of school before holiday breaks.”
