The three-day community awareness and capacity-building programme implemented by the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) in partnership with the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women has successfully concluded today in Malie, Sagaga 2.
Held from 2–4 March 2026 at the AOG Hall Malie, the programme brought together village leaders, women’s committees, youth, aumaga, nofotane, and families in a united effort to strengthen awareness, promote respect, and eliminate domestic violence in all its forms.
The first two days focused on:
- Strengthening understanding of domestic violence and child protection
- Promoting cultural and Christian values of respect and non-violence
- Raising awareness of SVSG counselling, shelter, and legal services
- Legal education sessions delivered in collaboration with Police and Court representatives
- Open talanoa discussions across all village sectors
Participants engaged in honest dialogue about challenges within families and explored practical, village-led solutions to safeguard vulnerable members of the community.
The last and the final day concluded with a powerful hands-on training workshop led by Nofotane Women Trainers, focusing on practical livelihood skills and income-generating opportunities.
Women were trained on how to:
- Utilize locally available materials and resources
- Create products for sale within their communities
- Strengthen financial literacy and small business confidence
- Support their families through sustainable income
From handicrafts to locally made products, the emphasis was clear, economic empowerment strengthens families and reduces vulnerability to violence.
This practical training demonstrated that prevention of domestic violence is not only about awareness but also about empowering women with skills, confidence, and economic resilience.
The Malie programme forms part of SVSG’s ongoing nationwide outreach under the UN Trust Fund initiative. Similar programmes have already been delivered in other districts, with more communities to follow.
SVSG remains committed to expanding its work across Samoa, from Upolu to Savaii, ensuring that every village has access to:
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Safe shelter services
- Confidential legal assistance
- Community awareness and prevention programmes
- Women and youth empowerment initiatives
Ending domestic violence requires collective responsibility. Through partnerships with villages, churches, government agencies, and international partners, SVSG continues to strengthen community systems that protect women, children, and families.
SVSG extends heartfelt appreciation to the Alii ma Faipule, Tina ma Tamaitai, Nofotane, Aumaga, Tupulaga Talavou, and the entire Malie Sagaga 2 community for their active participation and commitment over the past three days.
Together, we move closer to a Samoa where every home is safe, every woman is empowered, and every child is protected.
This is a press release issued by the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG).
