The Government does not keep track of incidents of physical abuse against women. However, credible reports indicate that sporadic abuse, often aggravated by alcohol use, occurs. The Government has not addressed the problem of violence against women. Families normally seek to reconcile such problems informally, and, if necessary, communally. Major incidents and unresolved family disputes are treated seriously by the judiciary and the Government.
Constitutional provisions assure women the same freedoms and protections as men.
The Government officially provides equal opportunities in education and employment, and women are free to own property and pursue private interests. However, in practice, traditional societal pressures deny women opportunities to fully exercise these rights. The island's population has been nearly eliminated on more than one occasion, first by disease and drought, and later, during World War II, by massive, forced removals from the island by the Japanese. The Government strongly supports efforts that encourage large families, and there have been reports of complaints by women that this emphasis on their reproductive role reduces their opportunities for other roles in society. Married women, in particular, are sometimes disadvantaged, as it is assumed that they will not want to study or work but instead will want to remain at home.