FTimes Friday, February 06, 2009
AN increase in political instability and militarisation could see more gang rapes and sexual assaults happening in Fiji, says Fiji Women's Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali.
According to statistics provided by FWCC, there has been an increase in rape and child abuse cases in the country.
In 2007, there were 12 rape cases reported to FWCC compared to 17 last year.
"After every coup there is an increase in gang rape," Ms Ali said.
"We noticed that in 1987, in 2000 and this year.
"And then we also have increased militarisation, conflict, unemployment and there are men who feel frustrated their manhood has been threatened and they take it out on the vulnerable and often these vulnerable people are women and children."
Police spokesperson Ema Mua said it was unfair and unjustifiable for Ms Ali to attribute the increase in sexual assaults on lawlessness and militarisation.
"We cannot blame any organisation for rape," she said.
"It has nothing to do with types of government, it's just that some people cannot control their sexuality."
But Ms Ali said it was an exercise of power and it was done in horrendous ways.
"In most cases, children and women and people with disabilities are the most vulnerable," she said.
Ms Ali said a lot of people did not go to FWCC for rape but for domestic violence because rape cases usually went to police.
She said perpetrators in many cases were close family or community members such as fathers, grandfathers, brothers, family friends, neighbours, landlords, police officers, doctors and teachers.
She said very few rapists were referred for psychiatric treatment.
"The onus is on the men in our society. Women cannot control rape and they cannot stop rape," she said.
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