Women and Children Crisis Centre Report

Brief Description

Established in October 2009, the Women and Children Crisis Center (WCCC) was pioneered by a group of women and some male advocate supporters who were determined to develop an NGO that was fully independent from government. The WCCC's core mandate is to provide free counselling and support services with the Mo'ui Ke Fiefia Safe House providing 24 hour temporary safe housing to women and children who are victims and survivors of violence. The staff are driven by their passion and determination, particularly as the WCCC's core work focus is based on the experiences and lived stories of the women and children that have been clients of the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children and now the WCCC. For 2010 a total number of 354 clients sought the centre’s support services, including women, children and male clients. Domestic violence continues to be the most common source of support provided by WCCC, although reported cases of child abuse in 2010 have increased as have sexual violence cases including higher incidences of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment.