SUVA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has recorded a 10 percent growth in the overall crime rate for January due to an increase in crimes against women and a significant increase in the number of illicit drug cases, according to the Fiji Police Force on Friday.

The country's acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said crimes against women recorded a 31 percent increase, with 252 cases received in January.

Chew said of the 252 crime cases, a significant 17 percent were committed in the domestic setting, mainly by spouses or partners.

He said women between the ages of 18 and 38 represent the largest proportion of victims.

It is also worrying to note that assault-causing actual bodily harm cases involving women increased from 139 cases recorded in January 2023 to 167 cases for the same period this year, the officer said.

The Southern, Western, and Eastern Divisions around the country recorded an increase in crimes against women, while the North and Central Divisions logged decreases.

Calling the increase alarming, Chew called on community and religious leaders to help police curb all forms of violence against women. Enditem

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