More than 100 participants, including Alii and Faipule, Tina ma Tamaitai, Tupulaga Talavou, and Malosi o le Nuu from the villages of Eva, Salelesi, and Solosolo, gathered at the EFKS Hall in Solosolo for a two-day community awareness workshop organised by the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) under its UN Trust Fund Project, in partnership with the Anoamaa 2 District.
The workshop focused on strengthening community understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence (DV), including drug-related DV, and on improving how families and village leadership work with the justice system and support services to prevent harm and protect women and children.
Day 1
26 January 2026
Day 1 opened with a formal welcome and a sauniga lotu led by Rev. Peniamina of the Assemblies of God (AOG) Church. In his message, he urged families and communities to uphold unity, peace and mutual respect, reminding participants that “We don’t fight each other,” and warning that violence and harmful behaviour weaken the foundations of the Aiga Samoa, Christian values and village harmony.
SVSG Chairperson and lawyer Ms Maposua Tanya Toailoa acknowledged the Anoamaa 2 District and outlined the purpose and objectives of the UN Trust Fund Project, including its focus on prevention, awareness and community empowerment to address GBV. District leadership supported the message, including Lemusu Seumanutafa, Pulenuu of Eva village, who encouraged participants to engage fully and take ownership of family safety within their communities.
SVSG’s first presentation addressed domestic violence within the context of Aganuu ma Agaifanua, Christian beliefs, and the values of the Aiga Samoa, reinforcing the shared responsibility of families and villages to protect women and children. Participants described the session as informative and practical, and as a timely reminder of their roles in promoting safety within families and villages.
Day 2
27 January 2026
Day 2 focused on legal frameworks and practical pathways for support, including law enforcement response, court processes, and referrals.
The Samoa Police Service outlined its role in responding to domestic violence and gender-based violence, including emergency response, reporting procedures, investigations and safety measures. Police also stressed the role of Alii and Faipule in prevention, early intervention and coordination with authorities.
The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (MJCA) explained court processes, access to justice, protection orders and support services, helping participants understand how cases move through the legal system and how victims can be supported.
SVSG presented its services, including counselling, refuge support for women and children, support with protection orders, advocacy and referral processes. Ms Maposua Tanya Toailoa also explained the SVSG Community Law Centre and the legal advisory services now available to provide faster and more accessible legal assistance for women and families facing GBV. Key laws guiding SVSG’s work were outlined, with emphasis on legal awareness and coordination between communities, Police and the courts.
An interactive question-and-answer session gave participants an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and discuss what is working and what remains difficult at the village level.
Moving forward together
The workshop reinforced that reducing domestic violence, drug abuse and related GBV requires coordinated action and sustained collaboration. Partnerships between communities, Alii and Faipule, SVSG, the Samoa Police Service and the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration remain central to lasting change.
SVSG acknowledged the support and leadership of the Member of Parliament for Anoamaa 2, Afioga Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Meredith, and his Committee, for their ongoing commitment to strengthening community engagement and supporting prevention efforts in the district. SVSG also acknowledged the active participation of the Anoamaa 2 communities and their continued commitment to building safer families and resilient communities grounded in Samoan culture, Christian values and the rule of law.
This media release was issued by the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) under its UN Trust Fund Project, in partnership with the Anoamaa 2 District.
