Reporting of rape cases a positive sign - Ali

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali says it is a positive sign that rape cases are now being reported.

Responding to figures released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on 43 rape cases taken to court in June compared to 35 in May, Ali says the numbers were shocking.

She says while the cases were being reported, everyone should keep in mind that rape is the most under reported of all crimes.   

The Crisis Centre believes that 90 per cent of the cases are not reported and the rest go unreported and it is important that victims come forward and report the matter.

Ali says more reports acted as a deterrent to potential rapists.

She says it was now highly important for communities to get involved in prevention works and provide support to victims of rape in all possible ways.                         

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has open a 24-hour counselling and helpline for women, girls and children who are victims of rape, domestic violence, sexual abuse, human rights violations or any form of violations they face in society.

She says on the 24-hour help line, victims were provided with professional counselling services and support form highly trained counsellor advocates.