The high number of sexual crime referral cases is a worry - Shaleen

Sexual crimes such as rape and defilement are the highest number of referral cases from the Police that the Medical Services Pacific has received so far this year, and it is worrying.

MSP Country Director Ashna Shaleen has told fijivillage News that for the months of January and February, they have received 43 referral cases from the Police which is mind-blowing and also worrying as it is a huge number for just a period of two months.

She says it is unfortunate that most of the victims of these crimes are children under the age of 18 years old and it is sad to say that most parents are not being vigilant in this case.

Shaleen says apart from the common crimes, there are some other cases that they have received like human trafficking which is also a major area of concern for them.

The Director says they are partnering with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation to try and create awareness and educate the rural, urban, and maritime communities about the consequences of such crimes that are stated in the Crimes Act 2009.

Shaleen adds they are also trying to make sure that necessary actions are taken on those that commit these crimes in our society and also get authorities to be involved in dealing with these cases and taking the perpetrators to task.