Minister for Women and Children Lynda Tabuya has raised serious concerns about sexual offenses.
She highlighted a high number of sexual offenses committed against children in the country.
Statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions show that out of 157 victims of sexual crimes in the first seven months of this year, 96 are children.
There were 153 perpetrators, and in 88 incidents, the victims and the accused were found to be related.
Tabuya warns that some children are not safe in their own homes. Due to the high number of serious sexual offenses being committed.
She highlights the issue of parents and guardians failing to take responsibility for their children’s well-being.
She stated that 90% of the perpetrators are family members.
Tabuya urges traditional and religious leaders to increase their efforts to address the serious harm inflicted upon children.
She calls for collaboration between traditional, faith-based, and religious leaders.
She also states that evidence shows a link between pornography and the increasing rate of sexual violence.
The Ministry is actively involved in discussions to ban access to pornography for children and regulate its use for adults.
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