STATEMENT

The increase in reports of Crimes against Women for the month of February is a major concern, and the Fiji Police Force is again calling for a holistic approach in addressing the offences that are mainly being perpetrated by trusted male family members.

The Key Performance Indicators for the month of February recorded decreases in Overall Crime by 8% and Serious Crime by 7%.

Crimes against Women however for the month of February recorded an increase of 12%, whereby 200 reports were received compared to 178 for the same period in 2022.

A 100% increase in the number of illicit drugs was reported, where 108 reports were received compared to 54 for the 2022 period, indicating increased police effort on the war on drugs.

Crimes against Children remained unchanged as 106 reports were received for the 2022 and 2023 reporting period.

In the Crimes against Women KPI, the Southern and Eastern divisions recorded increases of 50% and 30%, the Northern division remained at 0% while the Western and Central divisions recorded 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. 

83% were assault related and 17% sexual offences, 96% were family members in domestic settings.

Also of concern are Crimes against Children in that of the 106 reports, 14 cases were domestic related where the victims were perpetrated by a parent, cousins, uncle, aunty or other family members.

While the KPI for Serious Crime recorded a decrease of 7%, concerns remain on a number of offences which recorded increases. 

Prevalent offences reported during the month of February were theft, assault causing actual bodily harm, burglary and aggravated burglary, unlawful possession of illicit drugs and rape.

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.

Divisional Managers for Community Policing are utilizing every opportunity made available through religion, sports, vanua, stakeholder engagement, civil society and music to strengthen intervention strategies as these are crimes that need to be addressed holistically as Police cannot address the root causes alone.

JUKI FONG CHEWACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE