Government and UNICEF Train Counsellors to Tackle Child Abuse in Fiji

Child abuse remains a major concern in Fiji, with statistics revealing that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys have experienced physical or sexual abuse.

The Ministry of Women and Children, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a specialised training program for local counsellors to address the issue.

The program includes drug rehabilitation training and aims to equip community workers from faith-based organisations and civil society groups with skills to support affected children.

Minister Sashi Kiran says the goal is to build a strong network of qualified counsellors at the community level to provide long-term support for vulnerable children.

The training, led by mental health specialist Dr Koen Sevenants, uses sports, music, and art therapy to help children heal.

The program started in Nadi and will expand to Lautoka and the Northern Division in the coming weeks.