Incest offences alarm Fiji police

Sexual-related offences committed on minors by their relatives is a major concern facing the police in Fiji.

While the police have yet to update their statistics on such offences, relationship-related offences committed on minors were becoming an issue, the Northern Division, police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro is quoted in the Fiji Times.

She said they have recorded 18 cases of such offences committed on minors under the age of 16 in the past year.

“This is an issue throughout the country and it is a concern that those who are in a position of trust are the ones who are committing these offences,” she said.

“All the suspects have been arrested, charged and produced in court. The fact that the cases continue to be recorded is something the Fiji Police Force is concerned about and we are trying everything we can to eradicate the problem.”

Naisoro said they continued to stress the need for women and children to be better protected in the community.

“During our awareness campaigns, we are constantly stressing the need for our women and children to be protected from such crimes.

“The trauma a victim has to endure is unimaginable and as law enforcers, we admit we are not equipped to deal with the issue.”

Naisoro called on parents and guardians to look after their children properly.