family violence

The Ministry and the Regional Rights Resource Team will be opening the centre near the Magistrates Court in Nuku'alofa early next year to provide legal aid and advice to survivors of domestic violence.

Tongans will also be able to access the service by phone, and from legal advisors travelling to the outer islands on the regular court circuit.

The Justice chief executive, Susana Faletau, said the public needed more education on how to end a problem that they avoid dealing with.

Former Judge Mere Pulea delivered the opening address at the Pacific Community Gender and the Law Consultation 2016 in Nadi during the week, which was organised by the Pacific Community’s Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in partnership with UN Women and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.

“Putting in place laws against domestic violence in 11 Pacific Island countries is a major achievement which will have profound impacts on the lives of victims of violence. However, legislation in itself is only part of the solution,” Judge Pulea said.