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Insufficient awareness programs and poor parental attachment are behind the increase in child sexual abuse cases, says Save The Children Fiji chief executive officer Chandra Shekhar.
Shekhar told FijiLive the issue should be taken seriously by the community, following more cases being reported this week of the alleged sexual assault of minors placed in the care of older people.
He said child abuse is an invasion of a child’s integrity and creates fear in the boy or girl who may be harmed for life physically, emotionally and mentally.
“Child sexual abuse occurs more frequently in children from a socially deprived and disorganised family background. Influence of poor attachment is related to child sexual abuse and also children are not aware of their rights because there are not enough awareness programs to keep them informed,” Shekhar said.
In a statement, Shekhar said it is sad to see that the perpetrators of such heinous crime are people who are known to the victims.
“Most of the sexual abuse is perpetrated by people that children trust and feel loyal towards, destroying basic feelings of trust, happiness, safety and security towards the person. This is an enormous irreplaceable loss suffered by the child but not commonly acknowledged by the perpetrators.”
Shekhar has urged parents and caregivers to give their utmost attention to children during this festive season.
“Parents should always ensure that they know the location of their children at all times. It is imperative that we all join hands and fight this heinous crime of child sexual abuse.
“Authorities concerned are bound legally to take action over such cases and reported cases of abuse are to be trialed in court and harsher penalties imposed on perpetrators.”
