The Fiji Police Force says issues relating to sexual offences and domestic violence offences are frequently affected by the taboos, practices, prejudice and complete ignorance.
Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni said the Fiji Police Force and concerned stakeholders are not responding adequately and effectively to the changing norms of our societies.
He made the comments in closing the symposium held on the elimination of sexual offences and domestic violence
“Creating awareness and building up the characters of our communities have been police priorities in addressing these social problems.
“Perhaps our symposium has provided a new start in combating sexual offences against women and children.
Commodore Teleni said it was good that the symposium highlighted the proposal by the Ministry of Women for a service protocol, where victims of sexual abuse can go through without traumatizing them more through interrogations and investigations.
"I would like to comment on the proposal of service protocol for the management of victims of sexual offences and domestic violence, which will in my opinion, requires our collective attention.
“I wish to say here that police needs to change, and is going through change to be able to respond effectively to any problem in Fiji," he said.