Instituciones Bancarias 54

The findings presented here are based on the Talanoa qualitative interviews in Tongatapu. The results highlight a number of factors that women believe protect them from and prevent domestic violence. Some of these factors reveal a tension between maintaining some autonomy away from the extended family, while maintaining respectful relationships with them at the same time.

The importance of the nuclear family unit in protecting women against domestic violence – ‘Api

Women considered it important for nuclear families to have separate housing from the extended family. Participants identified that having a separate home for a couple can help separate matters relating to the extended family from that of the couple’s. A greater equity in land division among sons was mentioned as a pre-requisite to enable couples to afford a separate home. However, it is still common to find extended families living together because land has not been divided equally between sons, or the land is intended to be passed on to the eldest son.

Another key reason supporting the separation of nuclear families from the extended family was the notion that couples should learn to resolve problems on their own. It was evident through the women’s stories that when members of the extended family were involved in domestic problems, the problem would escalate and be more difficult to resolve.

Conflict resolution to prevent domestic violence

As a way to resolve problems, several key skills were identified by women. The data identified that talanoa (conversations, talking, dialogue) is fundamental to gaining understanding (femahino’aki), respect (feongoongoi, faka`apa`apa), and mutual love (fe`ofa`aki). A number of participants stated that it is important for the couple to commit to staying together in spite of economic and other social pressures. This was most evident from families that have experienced separation as a result of the husband leaving for work overseas.

Better management of resources to prevent domestic violence

The management of resources was also identified as a way to prevent conflict and domestic violence. This included better management of cash received as well as equipment and resources that families use to earn a livelihood. Several participants also mentioned the importance in maintaining a clean house, taking care of the property, and ensuring that the home is a place where the children and family enjoy living in.

Children as a factor in the prevention of domestic violence

Some participants believed that one of the important factors in preventing domestic violence is the children. This was particularly evident from the household data, which stressed maintaining the family unit first, for the sake of their children. Also noted as a preventative

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factor was to take care of the children in terms of health, education, and teaching them appropriate behaviours and manners that promote harmonious relationships.

Maintaining relationships with extended family to prevent domestic violence

It was deemed especially important for the couple to maintain their relationships with the extended family. Breakdown with kin was identified in the qualitative study as a major factor contributing to domestic violence. Participants believed that a wife should maintain respectful relationships with her sisters-in-law and mother-in-law as well as with the

‘ulumotu’a of the husband’s kin. Managing these relationships was identified as crucial to

maintaining a harmonious relationship amongst couples and with the extended family. Such values as respect (faka`apa`apa), reciprocity (feveitokai`aki), loto to´ (humility) and love (fe`ofa`aki) are seen as important for a wife to manage these relationships effectively.

The continued importance of the extended family – ‘Kainga’

What is clear from this research is that there is a significant shift in the role that the extended family plays in a couple’s life. While in the past the relationship between an extended and nuclear family was one of support and reciprocity, there is now a firm belief among the women we interviewed that the extended family should be less involved in nuclear family matters, particularly when their involvement is counterproductive. This study showed a high number of cases where the extended family’s involvement not only added to a couple’s problems, but contributed directly to the prevalence of domestic violence in a woman’s life. But despite the call for decreased involvement of their extended family, women still value these key relationships. The importance of encouraging understanding (femahino`aki), humility (anga fakatokilalo), reciprocity (feveitokai`aki) and appropriate behaviour were identified as pivotal to maintaining harmony in extended and nuclear families. Also considered important were familial obligations (fua kavenga) and acknowledging directions given by the head of the kin (`ulumotu`a) and respecting the sacred aunt (mehikitanga).

The role of law enforcement in protecting women

Despite the high number of domestic violence cases identified in the study, few cases were reported to the police and women do not have confidence that the police and courts will protect them. That said, several participants called for the laws against bodily harm and abuse to be enforced, and for legal provisions to protect women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Education and faith

There is a belief among respondents that education and faith are two factors that can prevent and reduce the prevalence of domestic violence against women and children.. This is consistent with the findings on coping strategies, and is not surprising given the important role that Christianity plays in Tongan society.

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10.

Factors associated with violence against women by