7 of 10 Women in Paradise Have Been Physically or Sexually Abused

FWCC records 45 child sexual abuse cases

Siteri Sauvakacolo
The Fiji Times Online

Fiji's Mamanuco Archipelago

FORTY-FIVE child sexual abuse cases was recorded by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre from January to August this year.

FWCC legal officer Lili Vuiyasawa said this was a reasonably high number and the centre provided assistance to these victims not only through counselling but also through legal assistance as well as accommodation.

"In the last 10 years, we have provided continuous financial support towards the educational costs for over 20 of our clients, who are survivors of child abuse," Ms Vuiyasawa said.

"Some of these clients are completing high school, or pursuing tertiary education, and have been doing well.

"Currently, we plan to extend our assistance to these clients by setting up a safe house for girl survivors, and we hope that this will be up and running sometime next year."

Ms Vuiyasawa said the abuse of children, whether it be physical and/or sexual or emotional abuse, was a prevalent issue in Fiji.

She said according to the FWCC National Survey, 71 per cent of women in Fiji experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15.

"The trauma suffered by children caused by the abuse is long-term. By this extension of goodwill from your companies we would be able to alleviate some financial difficulties that our young clients may be experiencing."

On Friday, the centre received a gift of $50,000 from the CEO/Chairman of Sustainable Mahogany Industries Ltd and Pacific Western Timbers, John Wagner.

You're my hero today, Mr Wagner. God bless you for your generosity.