Changing Tonga's laws to better protect women against domestic violence is the essence of the first National Consultation on Advocacy Strategies for Advancing Legislative Change to Address Violence against Women which will be opened in Nuku'alofa on Monday May 17.

Stressing the importance of the four-day consultation to be held at the national policy level, the Deputy Director of Women's Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Polotu Fakafanua-Paunga said that today in Tonga the existing legislation does not specifically spell out domestic violence, as it is generally inclusive under assault in the Criminal Offences Act.

She said that at the end of the meeting, it was hoped that stakeholders would agree and recommend possible amendments to existing laws or the drafting of new legislation for domestic violence against women in Tonga.

The consultation aims to make hitting women a crime under Tongan law.

"It is vital that all relevant stakeholders come together from Government including Crown Law, Tonga Police, the Ministry of Education and non-government organistations to review existing laws and other discriminatory provisions and practices in violence against women in Tonga," she said.

There was an urgent need to develop practical strategies for legislative change in the area of violence against women.

Police no-drop policy

Polotu commended existing policies that had been put in place by the Tonga Police such as its "No Drop" policy against domestic violence. In addition, Government had also established the Domestic Violence Unit with the Police.

She said that non-government organisations are dealing directly with problem, for example, the Women's Crisis Centre who offer a safe house and counselling for victims.

Polotu believes that Tonga has infrastructure in place, but the next step now is at the policy level.

The consultation will be opened by the Police Commander Chris Kelley.

Issues to be discussed include gender and the law, understanding the law, sources, courts and the impact on women's lives, looking at existing laws and problems, crimes and sentencing.

The consultation from May 17-20 is funded and implemented by the South Pacific Community (SPC) in the Pacific region.