725 cases of abuse and child negligence reported so far - Vuniwaqa

A total of 725 cases of abuse and neglect of children have been reported to the Ministry of Women and Children so far this year.

This was highlighted by the Minister, Mereseini Vuniwaqa while speaking at the opening of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Day at the Adi Cakobau School.

Vuniwaqa says this is according to recent statistics that were reported by professionals under the Child Welfare Decree of 2010.

She says that from January to October, police have received 1041 reports of child abuse cases which is a 0.1 percent decline compared to the same period last year.

Vuniwaqa adds that 41 percent of all rape cases are that of female victims between the age of 14 to 17 years.

She says that the number of juveniles in the state institute for juveniles is also a concern for them as this year there have been 89 young offenders that have been placed under the care of the Ministry.

Vuniwaqa says this is mostly because of crimes such as theft and aggravated robbery.

She says that spiritual intervention such as the SUIS camp which also got underway at the school is a very strong platform for the open discussion of such issues.

Vuniwaqa says that it is vital that people address familial violence in its totality in order to effectively address the abuse of children.