Samoa Police launch Domestic and Family Violence Strategy

Apia, Samoa – 13 November 2023: Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) has officially launched its Domestic and Family Violence Strategy co-existing with its Family Violence Policy and Procedure which was launched in April.

Described as the path to eradicating domestic violence in Samoa, the strategy is significant towards enhancing Samoa Police’s efforts in preventing domestic violence ensuring a harmonious environment and the well-being of families.

According to Assistant Commissioner Papali’i Efo Moalele, the strategy plays a significant role in accomplishing its policy objectives.

“The Domestic and Family Violence strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve the long term aim of the Domestic Violence policy,” says Papali’i.

She went on to explain how domestic violence manifests itself and who is affected by it.

“Domestic violence manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse of violence and is a grave and violent crime that predominantly targets women and girls, which leads to child abuse and endangering lives and welfare,” the Assistant Commissioner said.

Assistant Commissioner Papalii Efo Moalele and police Executive officers with copies of the strategy.

With the creation of the strategy, well known local advocate against violence and ex-police Inspector Tavu’i Annie Laumea, says she’s thrilled SPPCS has launched the Domestic and Family Violence Strategy.

“It is exciting to see this valuable document launched by SPPCS,” says Tavu’i. “This is an essential tool for police work, especially in their response work.”

Tavu’i added that domestic violence has been increasing at an alarming rate and most victims die as a result of it.

Minister for SPPCS, Faualo Harry Schuster delivered the keynote address at the ceremony highlighting police’s priorities for action.

“The strategy further highlights police priorities for action, which will target education and training, policy and legal response, early intervention, diverse and emerging communities, people affected by domestic and family violence, research and knowledge base, incident response communication and information sharing and children at risk exposed to violence,” stated Faualo.

The launch was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the Minister for Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, representatives of key stakeholders, Director General for the Ministry of Health (MOH) Aiono Alec Ekeroma and Australian Federal Police (AFP) representative Detective Superintendent Daniel Evans.

The strategy was made possible through the support of AFP through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP).