Crimes against women have shown a significant decrease of 10 percent, while there has been an impressive 34 percent drop in offenses against children, according to recent statistics revealed by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. The figures cover the first quarter of the year, specifically August, September, and October.
During a press conference, Commissioner Tudravu emphasized that despite these declines, the prevailing pattern of domestic-related incidents, including assaults, indecent assaults, and sexual offenses, remains a considerable area of concern. “While the reduction in cases is encouraging, it does not imply that women and children are definitively safer,” he stated, highlighting that domestic-related incidents still feature prominently on a monthly basis.
Police have been proactive in addressing these issues by collaborating with community leaders and social agencies to monitor repeat offenders, encourage early reporting, and bolster protections for victims. Tudravu made it clear that awareness and prevention initiatives will continue to be a focus, particularly as police handle increasing referrals from welfare agencies. He also noted the importance of monitoring protection orders and response times to violence-related reports, striving for enhanced enforcement in these critical areas.
The overall crime statistics indicate a positive trend across all five policing divisions, reflecting a notable 10 percent decrease in crimes against women. As part of this broader context, there is hope that the ongoing community engagement efforts, alongside improved policing strategies, will yield further improvements in public safety.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the fight against domestic violence is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement. As community involvement grows and awareness campaigns evolve, there is a tangible opportunity for meaningful change, fostering a safer environment for vulnerable populations across Fiji.