An opinion piece from the 

Samoa Victims Support Group 

“I am tired of the abuse and I want to end it all.”  

This is the cry of a 26-year-old mother of 3 children, in a suicidal state of mind as she sought the help of Samoa Victim Support Group.  

Her injuries, her tears and her body language tell her story.  Years of suffering and tolerance has taken its toll on this young mother, who finally had the courage to walk away, because she wants to live, to have a peace of mind, and to be able to look after her young children.

The cry of an abused mother is something that we hear at S.V.S.G every day.  While we hear this often, we still cry together with these mothers because these are our mothers, our daughters, our sisters.

What we have noted from the circumstances surrounding these domestic violence cases is the effect of anger not only on the perpetrator of violence, the survivors but also on the innocent children.  Domestic violence can kill; and we now notice a trend in victims of domestic violence cases often being in a suicidal state.

S.V.S.G’s counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Help is therefore just a phone call away through the 800-7874 free Help Line number.  

“As President of S.V.S.G, please, all that we ask of you is to call us, when in need of help.  It is the only way we will be able to assist you and to save that extra life,” said Siliniu Lina Chang.

In working together with the Police Domestic Violence Unit, we hope that we will be able to get that help to the abused mothers immediately when needed.  The application for Protection Order is part of this assistance.  The working together with the Family Court Judges is also acknowledged for the efficiency it enables family violence matters to be resolved.

“Saving lives is SVSG’s priority and as such, it is our plea that we work together to save that extra life.”  Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President.