The challenge of encouraging young children to disclose abuse by trusted adults is a pressing concern for the Office of the Director for Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Fiji. During a recent panel discussion on Sexual Abuse in Fiji, Unaisi Ratukalou, the divisional manager of the Sexual Crimes Division, emphasized the difficulties encountered in these sensitive cases.
Ratukalou highlighted that when abuse occurs within a domestic context, navigating the emotional complexities becomes considerably more challenging. “In cases where there’s a domestic relationship, the interference is very high,” she stated. This complex dynamic often leads to only a fraction of cases progressing to court, as many are withdrawn before trial.
The disclosure process for children is particularly fraught, as they may struggle to articulate their traumatic experiences initially. Ratukalou noted that repeated questioning may discourage children from discussing their trauma altogether. “When you repeatedly ask a child to talk about the trauma, they may reach a point where they no longer want to discuss it,” she cautioned. This dilemma necessitates close collaboration with police to ensure that children’s testimonies are compassionately and effectively gathered.
Post-trial processes, including submitting victim impact statements, are acknowledged to be less problematic. However, capturing the depth of psychological and emotional trauma experienced by young victims remains a significant challenge. In certain cases, courts have relied on organizations like St Giles to provide expert assessments from psychologists and psychiatrists to better articulate the young victims’ experiences.
This article resonates with recent alarming statistics regarding child sexual abuse in Fiji, where a high percentage of victims are minors, often subjected to assaults by trusted family members. The ODPP has reported a disturbing trend with many of these allegations arising from familial relationships, underscoring the profound impact of trust and betrayal in these scenarios.
Despite the gravity of these issues, there is a growing commitment from government and community organizations to foster a supportive environment for victims. Initiatives aimed at improving child protection measures and providing mental health resources are essential steps forward. The hope is that as awareness increases and systems become more responsive, children will find it easier to seek help and disclose their experiences in a safer, more empathetic environment.
The concerted efforts to tackle these issues symbolize a community rallying for change, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, advocacy, and the need for compassionate support structures that empower young victims to find their voices amid the trauma they endure.