27th March, 2019 The Tonga Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell with His Excellency Mr Adrian Morrison the High Commissioner of Australia, officially opened yesterday morning Tuesday 26 March the new renovated Domestic Violence Unit and Victim Support Friendly Space at the Central Police Station. Also in attendance was the Acting High Commissioner for New Zealand Elena Procuta.
His Excellency Mr Adrian Morrison said, “Domestic Violence is not just a social issue, Domestic Violence is a criminal issue. Those who use violence against family members or partners need to face legal consequences for their actions.”
“We hope the office will encourage and reassure the victims of family violence that they can report to police with dignity and in privacy. We hope this in some small way will let the survivors of family violence know that they are not alone, and that help is available. We hope one day this office is no longer necessary.”
Commissioner Caldwell reiterated the importance of this new space for the Domestic Violence Unit, “These rooms together with the work of my officers represent the commitment that Tonga Police have to improving our response to victims and survivors of family and domestic violence. For a building on its own will not change the experience of those seeking access to justice, it requires change at many different levels.” He acknowledged all the people involved in the fight against Domestic Violence and describes them as the backbone of support to victims of Domestic Violence.
Recent initiatives for the Tonga Police include; the convening of the Tonga Police Domestic Violence Advisory Group. A refocus on ensuing that the Domestic Violence Unit is positioned appropriately within the corporate framework and that is sufficiently and appropriately staffed. The head of the Domestic Violence Unit, Sergeant ‘Ana Malia ‘Aho is currently undertaking Family Violence Prevention studies at Monash University in Melbourne. The learnings from these studies will support the Tonga Police to implement and deliver a contemporaneous best practise model of policing family violence that is appropriate to the Tongan context.
The Unit is now staffed by 3 dedicated police officers and 2 investigators concentrating on Domestic Violence assaults and they now work from the newly renovated office space at Central Police Station.
The renovated office provides a safe and child friendly space for clients and their supporters and is aimed to providing an environment in which clients feel safe, supported and which ultimately increases opportunities for access to justice for vulnerable members of the community.
The Elimination of Violence against Women and Children is a global challenge and considerable international development efforts and resources are channelled into such activities. Tonga Police appreciate and acknowledge the support of the Australian Government, specifically through the Families Free of Violence Program with a dedicated AFP Advisor but also through the Tonga Police Development Program more generally, together with New Zealand Government.
ENDS
For Media Inquiries please contact: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; – Email: telesia.adams@police.gov.to phone (676) 23 323 EXT. 125