DEAR EDITOR,
Greatly appreciate if you could allow me a space to publish my concern regarding sexual abuse in the Solomon Islands.
The increasing rate of sexual abuse has violated not only the Solomon Islands’ Law but also, the religious and cultural principles in our society
Sexual abuse is defined as, “engaging in sexual contact with a person who is below a specified age or who is incapable of giving consent because of age or mental or physical incapacity” (Fergusson et.al, 1996., p. 1365.)
Sexual violence includes rape that had been reported to be increasing in the country recently.
Rape is described as physically forced or any act of non-consensual sexual penetration against the will of a person. The attempt to do so is known as attempted rape. If rape involves more than one penetrator, then it is called gang rape.
Sexual abuse is a persistent and hidden problem in our society that produces long-term and devastating effects on its victims and their families.
Sexual abuse is against the law and should be reported to law enforcement or to child protection authorities.
Therefore, to end sexual violence, I appeal for a strong commitment and involvement of law enforcement or responsible authorities’, community and parents, along with a coordinated response across a range of social welfare organizations.
Georgina Laefiau
USP-Laucala Campus
