A billboard displaying a Tonga Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) toll-free phone number to enable women and girls to access support services was launched in Pangai, Ha’apai, on 25 November.

The launch is part of the 16 days of activism global campaign to end all forms of violence against women and girls in Tonga which runs from 25 November to 10 December. 

Prior to the launch, WCCC conducted a community outreach awareness and mobile counselling service to seven outer-lying islands in Ha’apai including Pangai, over eight days, where more than 80% of women and girls in the area took part.

WCCC discovered that participants were not aware of the 0800 444 toll-free support telephone number even though they were aware of the centre operating in Tonga.

"I didn't know you had a telephone number that we could call that was free, now that we know, it will be much easier for any victim from any of the outer-lying islands to call directly and seek help," said one participant.

The billboard is located in a prime location in Pangai and exposed to local daily traffic including people travelling back and forth from the outer-lying islands.

"It is important that women and young girls have access to help through this free telephone service because sometimes living in a small community it's hard to seek help because of fear that it will not be kept confidential so this free calling telephone number will be the best approach for many," said Mele Langilangi Vi, a women’s development advocate.

The launch was attended by Magistrate Judge Mana Kaufusi, Mavae Latavao Head of Tonga Police operations in Ha'apai, WCCC staff, and members of the community.

The WCCC billboard launch was made possible under the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls (Pacific Partnership) funded primarily by the European Union with targeted support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and UN Women.