Sexual offenders make up approximately 70% of the detainees in the Correctional Center of Vanuatu.
For every offender there is at least one victim and sometimes multiple victims. Victims endure not only the violence and indignity that is inherent in sexual offences but they often also have to cope with problems such as:
- sexually transmitted diseases
- unwanted pregnancies
- disruption to schooling or work
- long term pain from injuries
- social stigma and rejection
- psychological damage
The costs of imprisonment mean that precious State funds cannot be utilized for more positive activities. An imprisoned offender cannot provide for his family or community. Community relationships and kastom connections are often damaged by sexual offending and village life is disturbed.
