The Country Director of Medical Services Pacific, Ashna Shaleen says sexual assault and child abuse cases may increase when schools reopen as this will give children an opportunity to talk to their peers, friends and teachers.
Shaleen gave this assessment after revealing that they have seen a reduction in the number of calls they are receiving for sexual assault and child abuse.
She says this trend was also noticed during natural disasters and when students came back to schools, they also come back with their stories.
She says statistics tell them that 90 percent of perpetrators are known to the victims and currently, women and children are stuck at home.
Medical Services Pacific is currently working with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Fiji Police Force and is providing a whole range of health and social services.
If you need help, you can reach out on the MSP helplines: 5640 (adults) and 1325 (children)
