Non-profit organisation Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) has signed an agreement with the Government for WST$500,000 to fund programs to eliminate violence against women and girls.

The agreement was signed on Saturday between the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o and the S.V.S.G. Board Chair Georgina Lui.

The Minister said the funding is the first ever direct assistance from the Government of Samoa to the S.V.S.G. in support of its ongoing efforts and programs to eliminate violence against women and girls.

“A cause that not only continues to remain at the forefront of global issues but also prevalent in our society today,” she said. 

Mulipola added that for years the Government has supported various programs and efforts through the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development to fund similar programs. 

“But today, it partners with the S.V.S.G. in this significant battle in ensuring a safe and secure future for our children," the Minister said. “Approximately 46 per cent of women in Samoa have reported to have been in a relationship where they have experienced some form of abuse by their partner which includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse. 

“This figure is concerning and the Government therefore acknowledges the significant contribution that the S.V.S.G. have made to this fight over the course of the past two decades.”

According to the Minister, the signing of the funding agreement will support current efforts of the S.V.S.G. that includes counselling for victims and offenders; advocacy programs within the communities and across the country to reduce the incidence of abuse; support for food and medical supplies at all S.V.S.G. shelters; support to raise economic conditions of families of victims of abuse to address welfare that include the Nofotane Program and others; awareness programs that will cover colleges; support programs to assist child vendors; and administration assistance to the S.V.S.G. to support the implementation of the stated efforts.

Mulipola added that the commitment of the Government Samoa portrayed through this funding assistance supports the vision of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021/22 – 2025/26. The plan “fostering social harmony, safety and freedom for all” through addressing both directly and indirectly the Key Strategic: Outcome 1-improved social development with specific focus on the protection and well-being of children, women, survivors of domestic violence and those considered as most vulnerable.

She also thanked the S.V.S.G. for agreeing to the collaboration with the Government. 

“We have no doubt S.V.S.G. will continue to improve its organization to deliver results as expected," the Minister said. “I thank you for the years of hard work, commitment and dedication taken by the President, the Board, Management and all the employees of the S.V.S.G. and their volunteers and associates.

“We remember with gratitude our Heavenly Father’s grace and love in consideration of the nation coping with the outbreak of the COVID19 virus in our community.”

She also acknowledged all development partners that are assisting Samoa in its fight to end violence against women and children.

In her budget address last year the Minister had indicated that $1 million will be allocated as grants assistance for organisations who lobby to end violence against women and children.