Fiji has recorded an increase in reported cases of rape, indecent assault and defilement of children under the age of 17 years.
The alarming statistics were revealed at the Blue Ribbon Campaign in Suva today by the Police Juvenile Bureau.
The national coordinator for the Bureau Inspector Orisi Tukana said there is a need to create a protective environment for children and they believe it should start from home.
Permanent Secretary for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Govind Sami said there has been alarming statistics about child abuse in the country and there is a need for stringent action to stop it.
He said the recent statistics gathered by police and the ministry between the years 1995 to 2009 shows that a total of 1,008 cases of child neglect and abuse have been reported.
While officially launching the Blue Ribbon Campaign in Suva this morning, Sami revealed that out of this number, 666 were sexual abuse cases, 610 physical abuse, 430 beyond control cases, 314 abandon and lost cases while 250 cases were of emotional abuse.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign marks the International Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
It is a day when people are called on to wear blue to signify the campaign and call for universal action for prevention of children from abuse and neglect.
Story by: Sneh Chaudhry
Campaign to reduce rising cases of assault against children
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