Parents are urged to be vigilant when leaving their children under the supervision of their friends or family members.

Social Welfare Officer Veremo Muriya informed the Labasa District Meeting this week, there are many rape and sexual crimes committed against children whereby the offenders are usually a relative.

He says nowadays even if parents entrust their children to the Church, the pastors are committing these offences.

He adds and when it’s at home, the perpetrators are either a parent or a relative.

Muriya says it now makes it difficult to trust other people with your children.

He highlighted a recent case in Vanua Levu whereby a 35-year-old father raped his five-year-old biological daughter, last year – one of the most degrading things a father can do.

Muriya has advised parents to be careful and aware of who their children are left with, or who they spend time with.