National Study on Domestic Violence on Women in Tonga

The Tongan study shows that violence against women is prevalent:

- 79% of Tongan women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

- 68% of Tongan women and girls are affected by physical violence perpetrated by mainly their fathers or teachers.

- 33% of married or ever partnered women are victims of physical violence.

- 17% of married or ever partnered women are victims of sexual violence.

- 24% of married or ever partnered women are subject to emotional violence.

- Perpetrators of violence are just as likely to be well respected and educated Tongan men.

- 83% of women agreed that a good wife obeys her husband even if she disagrees.

- 56% of all respondents (women and men) agreed with the statement that a husband could beat his wife if she was unfaithful.

- Between 73% and 83% of women believe that a wife has the right to refuse sex if the husband is drunk, if she is sick, or if he mistreats her. Fewer women (61%) believe that a wife can refuse sex if she does not want to.

The results of the study highlight the perception among women that the domestic violence they experience is caused by:

- Shifting values of extended family life.

- Shifting nature of kinship relations.

- Extra-marital affairs.

- Alcohol.

- Living with the extended family.

- Hardship and economic factors.

- Being young and unprepared for married life.

- Having children outside of marriage.

- Gender roles and power dynamics between men and women in Tongan society.