Abuse of children is not limited to physical abuse but also covers emotional abuse, neglect and informal adoption.

Save the Children Fiji Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Project Officer Amita Prasad said that many people do not realize that asking another family or even a relative to look after your child as you do not have the financial means to do so, is a form of child abuse.

She said this practice is common in Fiji however people need to realize that any such adoption is illegal and proper channels should be followed as leaving one’s child is neglect and makes the child think they are not loved by their real parents, which is emotional abuse.

Prasad also said that more than often, many parents put priority on social gatherings such as yaqona sessions and parties and leave their children with guardians, which is a form of child abuse.

She added that it is normally during times like this that children are vulnerable and become potential targets to child rapists.

Participants at the workshop were also informed that for the last year alone, the Social Welfare Department recorded 181 cases of child abuse where 49 were cases of neglect by their parents, 36 physical abuse, 24 emotional abuse and 72 cases of sexual abuse.

The workshop ends this afternoon.


Story by: Paradise Tabucala