Thirty-nine faith-based leaders, including pastors and Radini Vakatawa from three high-risk communities in Suva, have completed a specialized training program aimed at enhancing support for child abuse victims.

The initiative, facilitated by internationally renowned mental health specialist Dr Koen Sevenants, focused on equipping participants with skills in psychosocial support, incorporating sports, music, and art therapy to aid children in their healing process.

Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, who officiated the training, highlighted the urgency of child protection in Fiji, revealing that five out of six children in the country experience violence.

Ms Kiran noted that the Fiji Police Force receives an average of five child sexual abuse cases each week.

“While the Ministry is working on developing a National Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Abuse and implementing the Child Protection and Child Justice Acts of 2024, it is crucial to provide care for those who have been violated,” Ms Kiran said.

“We are grateful that we have been able to access the services of the World renown Mental Health Specialist Dr Koen Sevenants, the technical lead for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in the global UNICEF-led Child Protection Area of Responsibility.”

The training program aims to build a network of qualified professionals capable of offering effective psychosocial support to children in need.

As part of this initiative, 20 child therapists are now available to assist parents and young victims, with their contacts accessible through the Ministry.

“Once a child is abused, they are traumatised for life.

“Some struggle through basic tasks, they have difficulty in developing trust in relationships and some themselves become perpetrators.

“So, it’s crucial to ensure that any child who has suffered abuse has access to emotional support and therapy.”

She said with the support of UNICEF, the Ministry is also working on drug rehabilitation training and therapy for child counsellors, faith-based groups, and civil society organizations working with at-risk youth,” she added.

The training will soon be extended to the Western and Northern Divisions to expand the pool of trained professionals across Fiji.