National Study on Domestic Violence against Women in Tonga

Brief Description

The National Study on Domestic Violence against Women in Tonga consisted of two separate components: a quantitative study based on the methodology developed for the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women; and a qualitative study based on Tongan methodology of Talanoa and Nofo. The use of qualitative and quantitative components was to seek results that complemented each other. The study sought to obtain information about:

1. The prevalence, frequency and types of violence against women, including: Physical and sexual violence, emotional abuse and controlling behaviours by intimate partners; Physical and sexual violence against women since they were 15 years old, by non-partners; and Sexual abuse in childhood (before 15 years of age)
2. The extent to which violence against women by a partner is associated with a range of health and other outcomes
3. Factors that may either protect or put women at risk of violence by a partner; and
4. Coping strategies and services that women use to deal with domestic violence, as well as perceptions about domestic violence against women.