Father cautions against anger, violence

An father-of-nine says he has completely changed his mindset on anger management issues and cautioned against violence in family homes.

Tafa Suaniu Tualagilemaua participated in a Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) Men’s Advocacy programme two years ago.

The counselling programmes organised by the S.V.S.G. rehabilitates offenders who were referred to them by the Court. 

It was established in 2014 and more than 700 men and women have since then graduated from the programme.

The programme is primarily based on counselling to support efforts to end violence within families and homes.

Participants undergo various counselling on family issues, anger management, couple counselling, alcohol and drug counselling as well as stress management.

Church leaders of various denominations have also volunteered their services to be part of the programme as facilitators of the counselling sessions.

Tafa said that the programme is significant and has offered life lessons that changed his mindset, especially in terms of anger management.

“I am sharing my story because I previously entered the programme after being referred from Court due to anger management that resulted in assault,” he said.

He added that some people get angry and automatically want to hurt others physically but those actions are ill-mannered and will only result in being imprisoned.

“Spending time in prison is meaningless and instead the time spent in prison should be used to help your family with chores and take care of your parents," he said. 

“I undertook six weeks of the counselling programmes but recently a sensitive matter occurred within my family that angered me so much and wished to harm the perpetrators.

“I could not sleep the whole night contemplating over my actions but I acknowledge the Group because the lessons I learnt enabled my mind to make the right decisions of not inflicting harm on those but instead will trust the Police handle the matters.”

Tafa also advised all fathers that they are the heads of their family and they should lead by example by maintaining peace and harmony: 

“It is alarming to see and hear that cases of domestic violence have increased according to police reports," he added. 

“And I will continue to an advisor to new court referrals so that I can try and help others. Don't give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble.”