The Walls of Hope, Transformation and Renewal against Domestic Violence

Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary Genichi Terasawa., Judge Talasa Atoa Sa’aga, & Minister-elect and SVSG Board Member, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 03 JUNE 2021: The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) campus at Tuana’imato today opened two more houses for the increasing number of child victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse and mothers seeking refuge from abusive spouses.

These children and mothers are victims of physical, mental and spiritual abuse and highlight an increasing social problem where children and mothers are seeking a safe haven outside of their own homes, families and villages.

The increasing number of children and youngsters under the wings of SVSG, prompted the call for assistance in building two more houses as refuge for abused mothers and another for the children.

The Government of Japan responded through its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Programme, and funded two houses at a cost of approximately ST$477,000 which were officially opened today.

Family Court Judge Talasa Atoa Sa’aga delivering keynote address.

Delivering the keynote address was the Family Court Judge, Talasa Atoa Sa’aga who referred to the project as “rebuilding of walls of protection and security.”

Judge Sa’aga deals with domestic violence issues in Court and today she spoke with compassion, love and emphasized every word in her message comes out clearly not only for the mothers and children residing within these walls, but mothers living in fear outside the walls.

“Today, we are not only celebrating the completion of the building of the shelters, but acknowledging that we are again rebuilding the walls of protection for the victims of domestic violence,” she said.

She pointed out that for many, these walls are the last remaining stronghold from imprisonment and the death of dreams and visions of a bright future.

“It may be walls, but behind these walls are programs conducted to rehabilitate the young youths from broken homes, some have grown up accepting the devastation of the broken homes as the norm.”

Judge Sa’aga noted that some of these young peoples’ role models are family relatives who are serving time in prison.

“These walls will be the intervening force that will help them change their destiny and the future of their families,” she said.

“It is with hope that within these walls, every son and daughter who is rehabilitated will leave the shelter as a ray of sunshine, who will radiate all so brightly in their families and community,” said Judge Saaga. “These walls represent hope, transformation and renewal.”

Lawyer Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio, Ombudswoman Luamanuvao Katalaina Lussick, SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang & Donjoe Bryce.

Fight against domestic violence
She also spoke of the continuing fight to eradicate domestic violence once and for all.

“Domestic violence has demolished the walls of protection around the most vulnerable members of our families, the women and children,” she said.

She commended SVSG and the police who are at the frontline in the war against domestic violence.

“Time and time again they have witnessed this despair and the desperation of women and children who have for years sought refuge in the once very small SVSG shelter as they are no longer protected or secure in their homes,” she said.

“Many live in fear, in a stage of hopelessness and many are mentally, spiritually and physically incapacitated,” she said.

“The decision they made to leave their homes notwithstanding the devastation, takes years to release from weighing the risk factors against the odds and finally the courage to rise above,” said Judge Saaga.

The Sakura House.

The Sakura and Asahi
“They will find shelter, comfort, security and hope within these walls even if just for a transit period which is why it is so appropriate to call the Shelter Sakura representing the time of renewal and of optimism,” she said.

She compared SVSG to the biblical prophet Neemiah who spoke up for his people.

“Today is the fulfilment of your (SVSG) calling, to speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are oppressed. It is a reminder to all of us who are witnessing this very special occasion that we also have a role to play, that we must also speak righteousness and defend the course of the oppressed.

Both houses are given Japanese names Sakura and Asahi houses.

“Asahi means the rising sun and Sakura is a name for Japanese cherry blossom season which literally means a better life,” said Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary Genichi Terasawa.

His Excellency spoke in Samoan so the children could understand him and relayed how happy he was to be part of the celebration and being able to assist with the construction of the new buildings.

He said Japan is always happy to support an organization that provides integrated, personalized and professional service to the survivors and victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Samoa.

The celebration ended with the children entertaining SVSG partners locally and internationally before a visit to the new buildings, and SVSG President Georgina Newton delivered the vote of thanks.