Samoa Victim Support Group

The 50-year-old told SVSG that he became unemployed and could not provide for his family when he was diagnosed with an illness.

His eldest son aged 21 found employment close to home, earning minimum wages that supported his siblings’ daily needs, and the father’s medicine.

And his wife became another breadwinner, and things started to get back to normal.

According to SVSG, the elderly father revealed that his wife went to work and left her family for another man.

After four sets of two-day trainings, the village leaders, registered as representatives of the Samoa Victim Support Group in village communities, have improved understanding and knowledge on the importance of their roles as first respondents in cases of GBV.

The last group of trainees comprised of elderly high chiefs (both male and female) with the eldest being 82 years old.

As such, the wealth of traditional knowledge and the respect afforded to them within the village councils of their respective communities, are the added value they each brought to the learning table.

This will be ensured after the Samoa Police Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Samoa Victim Support Group.

Samoa Police said, “This agreement is a major step in formalizing a strategic collaboration with SVSG and contemplating the development of mutual understanding on ways to ensure the security and welfare of victims of crimes.”

“The two agencies will continue to work collaboratively to drive positive outcomes with the commitment of long lasting relationship to bring about the significance of victims wellbeing and assurance.”

Village representatives from five villages were invited for discussion as the first project under the agreement tackles the Aumaga (village men).

The aim of the agreement is to eliminate domestic violence against women and girls.

Each of the five villages will be working of several projects worth of $5,000 each.

These projects should financially benefit the village men to be able to support their families and prevent them from violence.

The villages welcomed the initiative.

Photo supplied 

The programmes were on hold due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

The outreach began at Solosolo following seven other targeted communities under the fourth module that is focused on parents’ ability to understand how their children think and feel from an unborn child to a new born baby up to 18 years of age, and how the needs of children and the roles of parents change.

To comply with Alert Level two restrictions, participants were limited to 30 parents and 20 adolescents.

The 6-month programme was made possible through the collaboration between the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and EU-UN.

MCIT Minister Afamasaga Toeolesulusulu Lepuiai Rico Tupai said there have been enough studies, research and data to establish that there is violence against women and children in Samoa.

Angeline Scanlan who volunteered to teach the women as part of campus activities, is overwhelmed at the results.

“It is so rewarding, seeing their smiles.”

Most of the young women are awaiting court dates for cases of sexual violence and abuse against them.

SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang says the project will help build skill and entrepreneurship amongst the young girls.

The facemasks and handbags can be bought at the Nofotane store located at the SVSG Apia Office.

The children are in the care of Samoa Victim Support Group, a non-government organisation that is dedicated to providing support and care for victims of domestic violence and sexual crimes.

The movie night was hosted by Digicel.

"It’s important that these kids get to experience what it’s like to be a kid, to be happy and come out and enjoy life for once," said Digicel Samoa chairman Pepe Christian Fruen.

"This isn’t so much about Digicel. It’s all about the kids, we don’t care how much we spend because seeing these young children smile is all worth it," said Pepe.

The organisation is run by volunteers to help eliminate violence and sexual abuse against women and girls.

RNZ reports twenty groups from around the world have been recognised this year.

Samoa Victim Support Group President Siliniu Lina Change said it was the first time a Pacific country had won the award.

"Despite the frustration, the struggles that Victim Support has been facing, the accusations that have been hurled to Victim Support, we're still here and we want all the people that have confidence and been working together and supporting us, this if or them."

RNZ reports the women are known in Samoan as nofo tane and the Samoa Victim Support Group says they make up at least half of those knocking on its doors.

The group's president, Muli-aga Teli Sili-niu Lina Chang, said a two year $US200,000 project, funded by the United Nations, started in July and has reached villages in five constituencies so far.