Community Effort-Developing Strategies to Reduce Violence in Satitoa

Source: Samoa Victim Support Group

The village of Satitoa, situated on Upolu’s east coast and home to over 500 residents, has taken a proactive stance against domestic violence. The village high chiefs, women, and children came together with a shared objective to develop strategies aimed at reducing violence within their homes.

The community of Satitoa has actively participated in various violence intervention activities as part of the E.V.E research study – a collaboration with the Samoa Victim Support Group and University College London (UCL) for Evidence of Violence Prevention. The goal of the study is to foster local solutions that effectively address violence against women.

In the 2-day workshop, participants were engaged in transformative exercises and discussions designed to raise awareness about power dynamics, inequalities, and the consequences of violence within relationships. In order to delve deeper into these dynamics, the participants were divided into three groups: matai, women, and youth groups. This facilitated a comprehensive exploration of power dynamics within each group in the village of Satitoa.

With a shift towards achieving healthy, violence-free relationships, the participants were later divided into two groups: men and women. Engaging in breakout sessions, these groups discussed various violence intervention scenarios and explored approaches that can be employed within relationships.

“If you were sick all day and unable to complete your chores, do you think it would be reasonable for your husband to abuse you?”One noted aspect of the intervention was the recognition that a few women agreed their husbands were justified in abusing them if they failed to fulfill their household responsibilities such as cleaning and cooking. The facilitator promptly intervened and posed a question that challenged this mindset, asking, “If you were sick all day and unable to complete your chores, do you think it would be reasonable for your husband to abuse you?” This discussion aimed to dispel harmful beliefs and promote a more understanding perspective.

Participants have described the intervention as a valuable learning experience, highlighting its positive impact in transforming perspectives and thinking within the village.

The two-day interventions, held last week at Satalo, saw active participation from 30 community members, including high chiefs, women, and youth.

According to SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang, “the Community Intervention component is a crucial aspect of the EVE project, which emphasizes collaboration between the Samoa Victim Support Group and University College London (UCL) for Evidence of Violence Prevention. By fostering inclusive dialogue and empowering individuals, the project aims to cultivate lasting change and promote violence prevention within the community.”

Participants in the two day workshop.