The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) along with the Child Services Unit has highlighted significant difficulties in prosecuting cases of child sexual abuse, especially when the perpetrators are family members or friends of the victims. Unaisi Ratukalou, the ODPP Divisional Manager for Sexual Crimes, pointed out that a range of obstacles can impede the legal process, from initial investigation to courtroom proceedings.
A primary challenge noted by Ratukalou is the interference from family, where some parents might pressure their children to recant or withdraw from legal actions against relatives. She explained, “The parents are trying to get the child to say that they don’t want to participate in the proceedings or they come and they say that it never happened,” which underscores the immense emotional and psychological strain that young victims face.
Additionally, Ratukalou stressed the difficulty in persuading young victims to share their traumatic experiences during trials. She remarked, “For adults you’re able to talk about it, but even as adults it’s difficult. So think of a child, a young child under the age of 18, under the age of 10, coming to talk about the bad things that were done to them by the people closest to them.”
The Child Services Unit highlighted that many victims are burdened with feelings of shame and fear of societal backlash and intimidation, which can deter them from coming forward. Recent statistics indicate a troubling surge in familial sexual abuse cases, suggesting that the majority of the accused are closely connected to the victims.
Both the ODPP and the Child Services Unit are calling for increased cooperation among law enforcement, legal agencies, and social workers to ensure that child victims receive the necessary support and protection throughout the judicial process. This collaborative approach is essential in tackling the pervasive issue of sexual violence, particularly within familial contexts.
The pressing need to confront these challenges is clear. As communities unite to promote stronger protective measures and heightened awareness, there is hope that such initiatives can create a safer environment for children. By encouraging open conversations and educating families on the importance of reporting and addressing abuse, society can start to dismantle the barriers that hinder young victims from obtaining justice.