218 cases against women
ABOUT 218 cases against women were recorded by police in February.
In a statement, Fiji Police Force also said they noted a 7 per cent increase in crimes against women and 10 per cent in crimes against children.
There was also a 75 per cent increase in drug-related offences, which contributed to the overall increase in crime by 14 per cent.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said the Western, Eastern and Central divisions recorded increases in crimes against women while the Southern, Western and Eastern divisions recorded increases in crimes against children.
He stressed that majority of the incidents occurred within domestic settings, therefore, this required holistic and concerted effort to address the root causes of serious crimes.
The statement also noted that women victims were mainly between the ages of 18 and 38.
Prevalent offences during the month of February were assault, with 157 cases, and 29 cases of common assault. Of the 218 reported cases, about 11 per cent were sexual offences while the remaining 89 per cent were assault-related offences.
“Also, a worry is the increase in crimes against children by 10 per cent, with 16 per cent of the incidents reported in a domestic setting perpetrated by parents and relatives,” the statement read.
“The offences that recorded increases were rape, from 11 in February 2023 to 20 for the same period this year, 11 cases of indecent assault, four cases of incest and 10 cases of common assault.
“The rise in rape cases is due to multiple counts of some cases. Of the 115 child victims, 72 are girls and 43 boys.”
About 189 drug cases were recorded last month, and most offences — about 167 — related to unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
At least 21 cases were related to the unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs and one case of unlawful exportation of illicit drugs.
“Acting Commissioner Chew acknowledges concerns raised on the involvement of police officers in the illicit drug trade that continue to undermine public confidence.
“The acting head of the organisation reaffirms his stance in curbing all forms of police-related corruption and misconduct.
“The Fiji Police Force will continue to work on strengthening and sustaining multi-sector policecommunity relationships, though consultation and collaborative policing.”
The offences that recorded increases were rape, from 11 in February 2023 to 20 for the same period this year ... – Fiji Police Force statement