The Fiji Council of Churches is deeply concerned with the increasing number of child cases recorded in the last eight months.

This includes child neglect, sexual abuse, and instances where children fall victim to domestic violence.

With over 700 cases listed from January to August this year, FCC President Reverend Dr. Tevita Banivanua says this is an alarming statistics.

“The statistics like that is very alarming, very alarming in our situation is a young nation in Fiji is and to have such a big number of child cases, whatever area of crime that they are involved in, yes as the President of the Fiji Council of Churches I just want to share first of all that we are deeply concerned about our situation here in Fiji. All churches, we are doing our very best to try and discuss these issues and find ways and means of helping out.”

Meanwhile, Child Services Acting Director Ela Tukutukulevu says the current statistics is a massive increase compared to only 51 cases recorded last year.

“For us, if there is an increase in reporting, that is good for us because we believe that there is an increase in our awareness as well, people are beginning to report or they know where to report.”

Tukutukulevu says failure to report child cases is a crime and those convicted are liable to pay a fine of $5000.