NZ police help Tonga address domestic violence

New Zealand police are helping Tongan officials set up a new division to handle domestic violence complaints in the island kingdom.

Work has been undertaken by local police and two officers from New Zealand, including Superintendent Steve Darroch, as part of a New Zealand initiative to prevent domestic violence in the Pacific, the Tonga Broadcasting Commission reported.

Mr Darroch said he was concerned with the rise of cases of domestic violence in the kingdom.

"Over a long period of time, it's very damaging for them, very damaging for their children. They help pass on from one generation to the next. So focusing on having systems to help those women getting out of those situations, which is one of the goals of the project."

Deputy police commander Taniela Faletau stressed the importance of recognising the increasing problem of domestic violence in Tonga. He said the number of women and children affected by this type of violence is on the rise, as reported by Tonga's National Centre for Women and Children.

A centre counsellor said that from June to July this year, they had received more than 70 complaints from women and children who were victims of domestic violence.

- NZPA