Tonga Police Supports Break the Silence to End the Violence Event ^Featured

For the first time, a free breakfast for the public was also opened at the Digicel Square and it was attended by families, police officers, stakeholders and everyone who was there to support and appreciate the day.

Chief of Police for Domestic Violence, Emaloni Tongi says that the purpose of conducting this event was to support and emphasize the importance of the day.
“That is for the public to be aware on the consequences faced by victims of violence, especially women,” he said.

He said there is also a Law within the Ministry of Police with regards to violence against women and it is important for the people of Tonga to understand that a family must support each other and live happily.

“For we’re approaching this Christmas holidays and everyone must enjoy the spirit of Christmas and not violence,” he said. “This is to support the families as we believe that the upcoming festivities of Christmas it is unacceptable to have more men/husbands being locked up in the station because they are reported by the wife for causing violence at home.”

Police officers consider themselves as role models to the society in fighting against violence at home and other places within the community. “We know that this challenge has to start from us in the Ministry of Police in following and abiding to the Constitution,” he added.

Although this is the first time for the Ministry of Police to hold this program, the ministry has been supporting the different Women and Children Centers and line Ministries in tackling violence against women in the past few years. The program also provided locals with advice.

“There is a corner here welcoming victims who are seeking advice or is about to make a complaint as we know that some can’t come directly to us in the station but we’ll be available here for sharing and giving out advice for their problems.”

Inspector Tongi also revealed that within their Victim Division they also help those who are accused of violence against women and children.
The day’s event was sponsored and hosted under a tripartite arrangement between the Governments of Tonga, Australia and New Zealand and the Tonga Police Development Program.

The program included a chant competition for primary schools conducted by the Women and Children Crisis Center. The formal marking of the White Ribbon Day started off with a march around Nuku’alofa and the event was opened by the Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon Dr. ‘Aisake Eke.