More and more women continue to come forward to report rape and sexual assault.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre noted this increase while comparing data with reports received in the first quarter of the last two years by the FWCC and all its branches.
From January to March in 2012 and 2013, there were 5 cases of rape each reported to the FWCC. In the first quarter of this year that figure moved up to 10.
In 2012 perpetrators included 1 father, 1 workmate, 2 bosses and 1 acquaintance. Of the 5 perpetrators last year, 1 was an uncle, a brother in law, a friend, a husband and a boyfriend.
Of the 10 rape cases reported to the FWCC in the first quarter of this year, 1 perpetrator was a workmate, 3 were neighbors, 1 was a boyfriend, 1 was an acquaintance, 2 were father in laws, 1 ex-boss and 1 teacher.
There has also been an increase in reports of sexual harassment received by the FWCC and all its branches between January and March this year compared to the last two years.
In 2012 there were 2 cases reported where perpetrators were an acquaintance and a father in law.Last year there were 4 cases where perpetrators were a neighbor, 2 lecturers and 1 stranger.This year the numbers jumped to 10 cases where a majority of perpetrators were known to the victims.
Also increasing are the cases of child abuse for the first 3 months of the year. In 2012 there were 7 cases where three were sexual and 4 were physical, verbal or emotional (PVE). Last year there were 13 cases where 7 were sexual and 6 were PVE. From January to March this year there were 14 cases, 7 were sexual and 7 were PVE.
From the statistics revealed, it’s clear that a majority of perpetrators of sexual violence continue to be those known to the victim.
“This is a shame and a reflection of a society that betrays the trust of its young ones ove and over again,” said FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali.
A study by the FWCC on cases of sexual assault received in all of its branches between 1984 and 2014 shows that 82% of perpetrators were known to the victim while 17% were not known. 1% was not recorded.
For more information call Shamima Ali – 9992875
MEDIA RELEASE