A New Caledonian organisation caring for vicitims of sexual violence says there is a worrying decline in fundamental values of respect.
The group SOS Violences Sexuelles has held its general assembly two months after a highly publicised rape in Canala which prompted a number of demonstrations.
Canala New Caledonia Photo: AFP
Figures compiled by a range of organisations and published in the territory's daily newspaper show the number of sexual crimes remains high.
They show that almost two thirds of reported sex crimes are committed within families and that two thirds of all victims are underage.
They also show that about a quarter of victims are male, mostly adolescents or children.
Furthermore, about a quarter of prison inmates are jailed for sex crimes.
A study presented to the government shows that in the past year 19 percent of New Caledonia's women were assaulted by their partners or ex-partners.
