Groundbreaking collaboration looks at Intervention to Prevent Violence

 APIA, SAMOA – 07 JULY 2023: A groundbreaking collaboration between the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) and the University College London (UCL) for Evidence of Violence Prevention, successfully conducted a two-day community intervention in the village of Vaie’e. The EVE Project addressed power dynamics, inequalities, and the consequences of violence within relationships, engaging 30 community members consisting of high chiefs, women, and youth.

During the intervention, participants were given the opportunity to express their perspectives on the concept of intervention. The youth described it as the “faatufugaga o le fale Samoa a tutulu ona toe uluulu ai lea o se lau fou ina ia malu ma leai ai se tutulu, o se faafitauli e toe talatalanoaina ina ia foi i se lelei” – The rebuilding of the traditional Samoan house from its foundation to its roof, symbolizing the restoration of harmony and the absence of conflict, a process that encourages reflection leading to positive change.

Conversely, the women stated that “O auala, metotia e toe faufau ai ni lagona ma ni manatu e fofo ai ni faafitauli ina ia sologa lelei mo aiga, nuu ma le Ekalesia” – It is a method to revisit thoughts and ideas, to find ways to communicate effectively for the well-being of families, villages, and the Church.

Participants recognized the importance of knowing their status within the village, family, and church, emphasizing its significance in building healthy relationships. Some participants expressed that dishonesty is a major cause of violence, citing scriptures that God detests liars.

On the second day of the intervention, the focus shifted to achieving healthy, violence-free relationships, leading to the formation of two groups: men and women. Through breakout sessions, participants discussed various violence intervention scenarios and effective approaches to address them within relationships. Some highlighted the importance of self-awareness, understanding one’s rights within the family, and actively working to minimize issues and abuse.

Several youth participants spoke out about the program’s significance and expressed their commitment to cease being rebellious within their village. A mother shared her agreement that the father should be the head of the family, emphasizing this as a positive step forward.

The participants expressed their gratitude for the program, acknowledging its role in promoting awareness, dialogue, and positive change within their community.

“The Community Intervention, as part of the EVE project, represents a vital step towards violence prevention in Samoa. By engaging community members and fostering transformative discussions, this collaboration between the Samoa Victim Support Group and University College London (UCL) aims to create lasting change and promote healthy, violence-free relationships,” said Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President.