Latest Sexual Violence Statistics from Fiji
The release of Fiji’s sexual violence statistics by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions revealed a trend in the profile of women attackers are targeting. Forty-seven cases of sexual offences were reported in June 2015, a marked increase from the 35 cases reported in May. Disturbingly, the majority of those who reported incidents were under 18.
“There were 25 victims of those 47 incidents out of which 15 were under the age of 18.”
These figures provide an insight into the reality facing women and girls in Fiji, and while more cases are being formally reported, the scale of violence against women in the region is not completely captured by these numbers. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali estimates that 90% of cases go unreported.
IWDA continues to work with program partners including Fiji Women’s Rights Movement to change the status of women in Fiji and ultimately reduce rates of violence against women. As part of the Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program, FWRM have implemented a number of strategies to encourage women’s participation in politics and leadership. When women are in leadership, their power to drive change is amplified.
