The Fiji Police Force has reported a significant increase in crimes against women and children.
There was a 39% surge in crimes against women last month compared to the same period the previous year.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew stated that 88% of the 232 cases were recorded against women. All these were related to assault, with 12% involving sexual offenses.
31% of these crimes were domestic-related, with the perpetrators being either spouses or partners. The increase in crimes against children was primarily due to a spike in assault cases, which rose from 25 to 45 within a year.
In July, five police officers were charged with various offenses. This includes assault causing actual bodily harm, serious assaults, and unlawful possession of illicit drugs. These officers have been placed on interdiction pending the outcomes of their court cases.
Acting Commissioner Chew reaffirmed the Fiji Police Force’s commitment to upholding justice and transparency by holding its officers accountable for misconduct.
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