Police investigate alleged sexual abuse of disabled girls in North

Police will soon launch an investigation into a Northern community following serious allegations involving the sexual abuse and mistreatment of two disabled girls.

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is calling for immediate investigations.

A recent child abuse training session organised by the Women's Fund Fiji in Labasa, heard the alleged incidents which were not reported to authorities, even after the victims gave birth, and their babies given to relatives to look after because of their conditions.

It is not known who raped the victims and when.

Immediate investigation

Minister for Women Sashi Kiran, who is in Labasa and Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu have demanded immediate investigations.

Especially against community members and relatives who failed to report the alleged criminal acts.

During the WFF training, a participant presented the alleged incidents as a case study, sayinthey were not reported and the babies given to relatives of the victims.

It is alleged the perpetrators are related to the victims and for the sake of traditional relationships and practice, the matters were not reported to Police.

The participant claimed both victims could not identify the alleged rapists because of their disabilities.

One of the victims is mute whereby the mother must feed and bathe her daily, the other is left in the care of an elder sisteron an island since she comes from a broken family.

One aged 15 delivered a baby last December and the other in her 20s, delivered her baby in January.

Ms Kiran called on traditional leaders to first report child abuse of all forms to Police.

"It is heartbreaking that some of our most vulnerable, especially children who live with disabilities, are falling victim to such horrific crimes," Ms Kiran said.

"This is unacceptable, and I have directed the Police to pursue these cases so that perpetrators face the full force of the law.

"The physical and emotional trauma inflicted on vulnerable children and persons with disabilities is unimaginable, and as a society we must do better to protect them."

She called on families and communities to be vigilant, to report abuse immediately and to ensure that those most at risk are not left unprotected.

She said support was available.

The Child Helpline is 1325 and the Domestic Violence Helpline is1560 to report cases or seek assistance.

"Fiji, let us do better."

Police

Meanwhile, Mr Tudravu said: It is concerning if matters were being swept under the carpet as those in positions of authority in a community settings have a duty of care to report to police.