The counselling programmes organised by the Samoa Victims Support Group (S.V.S.G.) has been hailed a success with many men and women turning up to be part of the rehabilitation programme.

The President of the Samoa Victim Support Group, Siliniu Lina Chang said: “The Men’s and Women’s Advocacy programme first started in 2014 and it is now in its fourth year.

“It has been recorded since the beginning of the programme, we have had 700 men and women who have already graduated.

“The programme is primarily based on counselling, a foreign concept to our people, but a support that is greatly in need for our efforts to end violence in our homes.

“It also includes anger management, couple counselling, alcohol and drug counselling, stress management and counselling on family issues.”

Mrs. Chang acknowledged their partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Court because of the many cases that were referred to them to address.

Samoa Victim Support Group has been well supported by church leaders of various denominations who have come forward to be part of the programme as facilitators of these counselling sessions. 

“I believe that it is up to the offenders to rise up and make effective changes in their behaviour and join the fight for a violence-free community,” she said

Another graduation is scheduled for the 30th of this month.