Home is the danger: Fathers, grandfathers among abusers

Fiji recorded 4,159 child sexual offence cases between 2020 and 2024, making sexual violence the most prevalent crime committed against children in the country.

This was revealed by Minister for Women Sashi Kiran during the National Symposium on Ending Violence Against Children at Novotel Lami today.

Ms Kiran said Fiji must confront the painful reality that children are most at risk inside their own homes.

“It is happening in homes. It is happening with people children trust,” she said.

What shocked participants was the identity of the perpetrators.

About 73 per cent of offenders are known to the child — relatives, neighbours, guardians or adults in positions of trust.

Ms Kiran said many cases involve fathers, grandfathers and close male relatives, a trend she described as “deeply disturbing and shameful.”

Recent data from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions highlighted the severity of the crisis. In just the past month, charges included:

• A 45-year-old father accused of raping and sexually assaulting his five-year-old daughter.
• A 48-year-old father charged with incest involving his 18-year-old daughter.
• A 74-year-old grandfather charged with sexually assaulting his five-year-old granddaughter.
• A 61-year-old man accused of raping his 10-year-old niece.
• A 39-year-old man charged with raping his nine-year-old niece.

Children aged 13 to 17 are the most targeted, but even infants are not spared — with five per cent of cases involving babies.

Ms Kiran said a culture of silence within families continues to shield perpetrators.

“In some homes, children who speak up are blamed. Mothers who defend them face pressure from their own families. This must end.”

CWM Hospital paediatrician Dr Laila Sauduadua said child sexual abuse causes deep trauma and long-term health complications. Fiji’s communal living patterns, she said, often place perpetrators in close proximity to victims.

She stressed the urgent need for a national child protection registry to ensure policies are backed by accurate, up-to-date data.

Under the Child Welfare Act 2010, all professionals who suspect child abuse are legally required to report it. The Ministry of Health also provides referral pathways for medical officers who may not be comfortable handling cases directly.

Ms Kiran said Fiji must break the silence and strengthen the entire protection system.

“We need communities to speak up, professionals to act quickly, and families to protect victims instead of shielding offenders.”