4 Oct 2006

Fiji police reject criticism by Fiji women's group

7:48 pm on 4 October 2006

Fiji police are denying claims by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, which has accused them of responding slowly to complaints of sexual offences and domestic violence.

The Centre's Shamima Ali says women and children on outer islands are particularly affected.

But the deputy police commissioner, Moses Driver, says their response is excellent.

"We have done extremely well in this regard. They have been attempted to promptly, the cases have been finalised early and for those who have sufficient evidence, the arrest is made and they are taken to court."

However, Mr Driver acknowledges that due to the sensitive nature of the crimes, police sometimes cannot act because they don't have the necessary evidence.