A total of 200 reports of crimes against women were recorded by Fiji Police for the month of February this year alone.
And police said those offences were mainly perpetrated by trusted male family members.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said crimes against women for the said month increased by 12 per cent when compared to the 178 reports received for the same period in 2022.
He said the Southern and Eastern divisions recorded increases of 50 per cent and 30 per cent; no cases in the Northern Division; while the Central and Western divisions noted decreases.
“Of the 200 cases reported, 33 cases were domestic related where the victims were perpetrated by their husbands, de-facto partners, uncle and in laws,” Mr Chew said.
“Eighty three per cent (83%) were assault related and 17 per cent sexual offences, 96 per cent were family members in domestic settings.”
Mr Chew also noted crimes against children that remained unchanged with 106 reports received for the 2022 and 2023 reporting periods.
He said of that, 14 cases were domestic related where the victims were perpetrated by a parent, cousins, uncle, aunty or other family members.
“While the five year trend continues to trend a decline in the overall crime rate, the Fiji Police Force notes with concern crimes against women and children, and calls for a holistic approach and intervention in putting a stop to these heinous crimes that are occurring within domestic settings.”
