Domestic violence increases during Christmas holiday [1]
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - 12:44. Updated on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 22:25.
Domestic violence in Tonga is increasing, with 19 cases reported to the Tonga Police during the first six days of the Christmas holiday period.
Assistant Police Commander 'Unga Fa'aoa expressed his concern yesterday over what he perceived to be an exceptionally high rate of domestic violence that occurred from December 23-29. He said that half of the 19 domestic violent cases reported were husbands beating their wives.
At the police weekly media briefing, 'Unga reminded the public that once a case of wife beating is reported to the police it is no longer possible for complainants to withdraw the case.
Alcohol test
This Christmas the police have been carrying out alcohol sniffer tests on drivers and 'Unga said that 50% of the 95 drivers they have tested so far failed. The test does not identify whether a driver is drunk or not, but it identifies if the driver has had a drink containing alcohol.
"Just one glass of beer would read positive, so the test will reveal where you had a beer before you drive or not," he said.
Commander Chris Kelly said they wanted to encourage drivers to be more responsible, particularly over the festive season.
"This is for the safety of the people and people need to be more responsible to their own life. I want the people to have a safe New Year and to have a lot of fun, but make sure they don't hurt others," he said.
Home-made explosives
The police have also been concerned with children making explosives from toilet liquid this Christmas. The police warned that people would be prosecuted if they were found with the liquid. A small plastic bottle with toilet liquid and a piece of tinfoil will explode with a loud bang.