13 minors among victims of sexual offences in October

Thirteen minors were among 19 victims of serious sexual offences recorded in October, according to statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today.

The ODPP data showed 22 people were charged with 34 counts of sexual offences filed in the High Court last month.

The offences included rape (22 counts), incest by a relative (one), indecent assault (three) and sexual assault (8).

Four juveniles were among the 22 accused persons charged during the period.

The statistics revealed 16 female victims and three male victims, with the youngest being a five-year-old girl and a eight-year-old boy.

Nine incidents involved victims and accused persons who were related to one another.

A 45-year-old man was charged with the rape, indecent assault and sexual assault of his five-year-old daughter.

A 74-year-old man was charged with sexual assault and indecent assault of his 5-year-old granddaughter.

Two 17-year-old boys faced rape charges involving their young cousins.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with the rape of a 12-year-old boy, while a 16-year-old boy was charged with the rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy.

One case was discontinued after a 15-year-old victim admitted to making a false complaint against her 31-year-old brother-in-law.

The ODPP noted that some victims experienced multiple offences, and some accused persons faced multiple charges.

The data relates to formal indictments filed in the High Courts of Fiji by the Director of Public Prosecutions throughout October.

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