Domestic violence within families is leaving some children in Fiji disabled and highly vulnerable, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has warned.
Speaking during an interview at the National Dialogue on children with disabilities, Ms Kiran highlighted cases of children in State care who suffered serious injuries as a result of domestic violence.
“We have seen children becoming disabled because of violence among their parents,” she said.
She explained that some of the injuries tend to be severe.
“We have children in our State homes who have lost their arm or who have been wounded during the domestic violence.”
She said children with disabilities faced even greater risks.
“But also, we know that children with disabilities are highly vulnerable to violence or all kinds of abuse.”
She said the issue was being considered as part of the development of the national action plan on prevention of violence against children.
“We wanted to make sure that this dialogue actually feeds into that document as well.”
She also highlighted broader concerns affecting children, including lack of awareness and hidden disabilities.
“There’s not enough awareness on autism.
“All these conversations are essential for us to make sure that in the most formative years of the child, they are provided the necessary support.”
Ms Kiran stressed the importance of ensuring children receive proper support during their early years to reduce risks and improve protection.
