The interim manager of a Tongan centre for women and children deserted by most of its staff two weeks ago says it's time people faced the issue of domestic violence as a community.
All but one of the staff of the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children, which is funded by the government and aid organisations, walked out at the end of October to form a new as yet unfunded NGO called the Women and Children Crisis Centre.
That centre's co-ordinator says the national centre lacks the necessary autonomy to push for real change for women.
But Sister Keiti Ann Kanongata'a says domestic violence is a problem the whole community needs to tackle and not just specific aid-funded organisations.
"There are people who are quietly suffering who are struggling with homes with 10 children and no husband or that kind of problem connected with violation against women and my question is we need to know our community better. We need to challenge our own self here in Tonga, what we can do ourselves."
Sister Keiti Ann Kanongata'a of the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children.
