Many child abuse victims in Fiji may not realise they were abused until years later, according to mental health experts working closely with children around the country.

Belgian child and adolescent mental health specialist Dr. Koen Sevenants highlights that many young victims only begin to understand the trauma during adolescence, after years of confusion, fear and emotional silence.

Dr. Sevenants highlighted that many young victims only begin to understand the trauma during adolescence, after years of confusion, fear and emotional silence.

“Many children only realise they were abused during puberty when shame and guilt begin to set in, and many remain silent because they fear judgment or exposing people they know”, Dr. Sevenants highlighted.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran shared that support services continue to be strengthened through counselling programs and partnerships with UNICEF to help children and families dealing with trauma and abuse.

The Ministry continues to encourage children and families to seek confidential help through Child Helpline 1325 while efforts continue to strengthen child protection systems around the country.

BY JOELI RAGONELIWA