Australia has committed an additional AUD$203,000 to address gender based violence arising from CoViD-19 in Tonga.

Australian High Commissioner, HE Adrian Morrison said during a crisis, an increase in violence against women and children occurs.

“In responding to this crisis in Tonga, it is critical we find ways to respond to increases in gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence, hence Australia’s additional support during these times.”

Funding will go to the Women and Children’s Crisis Centre (WCCC), Tonga National Centre for Women and Children (TNCWC) and the Family Protection Legal Aid Centre (FPLAC), through the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) program.

It will support the ongoing provision of essential counselling services and economic empowerment programs for women as well as investing in raising awareness on the issue of violence against women and children. 

WCCC will use the funds to re-establish its operations in ‘Eua and distribute essential goods to their clients affected during this time. This also includes supporting the community-based counsellor, as well as renovating and refurbishing a new building in ‘Eua.

Funding for TNCWC will help them provide additional support to the participants of its Women’s Economic Empowerment program adapted to the CoViD-19 context. This includes providing training via social media and training resources for the participants.

While FPLAC will use the funds to facilitate their work under CoViD-19 impacts including additional staff to help with the increased workload.