Child Sexual Abuse in Fiji: Authority, Risk Factors and Responses

Abstract

While child sexual abuse is a problem worldwide, the risk factors for the perpetration of child sexual abuse within Fiji are unique in their relation to the traditional and communal nature of Fijian society. In this article, culturally relevant dynamic risk factors found within contemporary Fijian society are identified and understood alongside static factors contributing to abuse. Although there have been recent changes to sexual offence legislation and traditional criminal justice system responses to victims of sexual abuse, state-sanctioned responses continue to maintain victimising practices. Equally, the relative rural isolation means many Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) communities continue to use customary restorative justice practices that may marginalise the rehabilitation of victims and offenders for the communities' benefit. However, a culturally specific amalgamation of traditional criminal justice and customary restorative responses may help to create more holistic protection for survivors of child sexual abuse in Fiji.

Keywords:

• sexual violence
• child sexual abuse
• trauma
• Indigenous
• restorative justice
• customary justice
• Fiji
• South Pacific