The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says the increase in the number of reported rape cases is a positive indication that people are not hiding the issue anymore but coming out and reporting it.
Spokesperson Edwina Kotoisuva says they have been working on the issue for the past 28 years and they continue to be shocked by incidents which come to light.
Kotoisuva says they are aware of the fact that most perpetrators are relatives of the victims.
“For some people these cases have been happening for a long time. They just haven’t come out and reported but because of the awareness that has been created and because we have created an environment that people feel safe in – yes! Other people are talking about it, I can come out and report it! That’s why people come out and report it.”
The latest incident – saw a 37-year-old man appearing in court today for allegedly raping a 17-year- old student.
