Calls to end corporal punishment Featured
20 March, 2017. Tonga's Women and Children Crisis Centre says it is working with the police to end corporal punishment in the country.
Last week, a middle school teacher was charged with assault over the beating of a student who was later hospitalised for his injuries.
The teacher also reportedly threatened to beat the 11-year-old's parents if he reported the incident.
Corporal punishment is illegal in Tonga, but the crisis centre's team leader, Lesila Lokotui To'ia, said it was often used by both parents and teachers.
Ms To'ia said it was not a positive form of discipline and the centre has been working to educate people.
"This is totally unacceptable, you know, and also the Crisis Centre's stand is that we have no, zero tolerance towards this and also any form of violence," she said.
-RNZI
