Save the Children Fiji Chief Executive,Iris Low-McKenzie [Source: Save the Children Fiji]

Save the Children Fiji has commended the justice system following the sentencing of a man to life imprisonment last Friday.

Chief Executive Iris Low-McKenzie says the land mark case saw the man sentenced to life imprisonment for each count of rape and five years’ imprisonment for indecently assaulting his biological daughters.

Low-McKenzie says this marks a new era in support of children’s rights to be free of violence particularly sexual violence which is prevalent in the country.

She says it’s important to make the law stricter and the penalties harsher to curtail the ugly trend of child sexual abuse.

The non-governmental organisation also highlights that it is disturbing to learn that the offenders are close family members who are supposed to provide a protective environment for children.

The organisation adds that reporting is important as children exposed to family and domestic violence or sexual and physical abuse suffer psychological trauma.

Fijians are urged to call the Child Helpline 1325 to report any case of violence against children.