The Code has been replaced by the Crimes Decree and the Criminal Procedure Code by the Criminal Procedure Decree. The Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 specifies the sentences which may be passed by the court (ss.6,7,8,9). All sentences must be in accordance with the Sentencing and Penalties Decree 2009. There is no provision for corporal punishment in any of the three new Decrees. Measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims Trauma: Outpatient or Emergency physicians are often the first to come in contact with child victims. Child specialists are used for examination and treatment and, if necessary, a child may be referred to law enforcement, counsellors or social workers for further assistance. Under the child Welfare Decree 2010, all professionals are required to report to the Permanent Secretary MoSW as soon as possible and the first door of assistance is the local district and divisional Social Welfare Office. The Fiji Women Crisis Centre together with the Police Sexual Offences Units in Suva and Nausori provides some support to children and their families. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (located in 4 urban centres) provides trained counsellors who can provide support to child and adult victims and guide them to support services and community awareness programmes throughout the country. Churches and non-government organisation may also provide some support for survivors of abuse. Assistance: The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women & Poverty Alleviation has a 917 telephone line through which all reported cases are responded to. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has a general helpline for people at risk and can refer children on to social welfare if appropriate. Volunteers have also recently set up the ‘Salvation Army Lifeline’ and training for counsellors commenced in Suva in 2010. A plan is being considered by non government organisation Homes of Hope (Joy International) offering a confidential telephone hotline for women who are considering abandoning their babies which is an emerging problem. Assistance is also available from Salvation Army and other NGO’s for women and children at risk. Capacity: Diplomas, certificates and degrees in Social Work and Counselling are offered by various tertiary institutions in Fiji. However, it is notable that trained specialists such as occupational therapists or speech pathologists are generally not available in Fiji. They may however be present in a volunteer capacity through programs such as Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) or Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA), JICA ,PEACE CORP Volunteers and KOICA.
The Code has been replaced by the Crimes Decree and the Criminal Procedure Code by the Criminal Procedure Decree. The Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 specifies the sentences which may be passed by the court (ss.6,7,8,9). All sentences must be in accordance with the Sentencing and Penalties Decree 2009. There is no provision for corporal punishment in any of the three new Decrees. Measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims Trauma: Outpatient or Emergency physicians are often the first to come in contact with child victims. Child specialists are used for examination and treatment and, if necessary, a child may be referred to law enforcement, counsellors or social workers for further assistance. Under the child Welfare Decree 2010, all professionals are required to report to the Permanent Secretary MoSW as soon as possible and the first door of assistance is the local district and divisional Social Welfare Office. The Fiji Women Crisis Centre together with the Police Sexual Offences Units in Suva and Nausori provides some support to children and their families. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (located in 4 urban centres) provides trained counsellors who can provide support to child and adult victims and guide them to support services and community awareness programmes throughout the country. Churches and non-government organisation may also provide some support for survivors of abuse. Assistance: The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women & Poverty Alleviation has a 917 telephone line through which all reported cases are responded to. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has a general helpline for people at risk and can refer children on to social welfare if appropriate. Volunteers have also recently set up the ‘Salvation Army Lifeline’ and training for counsellors commenced in Suva in 2010. A plan is being considered by non government organisation Homes of Hope (Joy International) offering a confidential telephone hotline for women who are considering abandoning their babies which is an emerging problem. Assistance is also available from Salvation Army and other NGO’s for women and children at risk. Capacity: Diplomas, certificates and degrees in Social Work and Counselling are offered by various tertiary institutions in Fiji. However, it is notable that trained specialists such as occupational therapists or speech pathologists are generally not available in Fiji. They may however be present in a volunteer capacity through programs such as Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) or Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA), JICA ,PEACE CORP Volunteers and KOICA.
CRC.C.FJI.2-4.docx