25 per cent rise in crimes against children alarming

The Fiji Police Force has announced that there was a 25 per cent increase of crimes against children compared to the same period last month.

This is alarming to say the least. It is disturbing and should worry all of us. It is like a cancer spreading quickly among us.

There were 160 cases compared to 118 last year. Eleven per cent were domestic related between parent and child relationship. The remaining 89 per cent were perpetrated by relatives in domestic settings.

It is obvious from these statistics that our attitude towards our children has not gotten any better despite the outlawing of corporal punishment. The use of violence to instil discipline is still happening. What is worse is that sexual offences are included in the list of crimes, and they are committed in the homes.

Children are in a vulnerable state. They are innocent and easy preys to sexual predators within the family settings. The Police are doing their best in community policing to reduce the crimes against women and children. They cannot do it alone. They need the support of all stakeholders, which include parents, families, communities, schools, villages, provinces, rural advisory councils,

Government agencies, NGOs, faith groups, sports and social clubs.

Issues regarding families can be sensitive in the cultural and religious context. But in order to effectively address these issues no issue should be treated as sensitive or taboo. All cases should be reported to the Police; not covered up to protect the reputation of families.

Last month’s statistics could mean that more cases were now being reported to law enforcement. Otherwise, we could be standing on the tip of the iceberg.

The figures give compelling reasons for all of us to treat this matter seriously, as we do in domestic violence cases against women.

Sometimes, we devote our energy to campaigning against domestic violence against women that we lose sight of our children. Both groups are equally important, and we should do everything within our power to protect them.

Our children are our hope for the future and all that we do must focus on creating an environment that is conducive to developing their potential.

Criminal acts against them can cause huge psychological trauma that will scar them for life and undermine their growth. Let’s show that we are serious about loving our children by adopting a zero tolerance against their ill-treatment. That will be reflected in the new stats.

If previously hidden cases are being exposed, so be it. We need to deal with perpetrators and rid ourselves of this growing menace.

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj