The Samoa Victim Support now offers its services in Sydney and Brisbane.
Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi opened the Sydney branch in Liverpool recently.
He said that promoting awareness of gender-based violence is important, as is offering a place of safety for victims.
He added that the Samoa Victim Support is strongly supported by the government and went on to say that it “is clearly a very important part in our national response. It is a response that includes government, non government and civil society organizations to address this silent menace that continues to plague our communities in Samoa”.
At the recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said Pacific leaders were urged to face up to the issues of victim support and domestic violence. A special fund of AUS$320 million to support gender equality efforts in the Pacific had been announced by Australian PM Julia Gillard at the Forum.
“It included in the stated objectives the improved safety of women through the prevention of violence and access to justice,” Prime Minister Tuilaepa said.
He urged the Samoan community in Australia to use the Samoa Victim Support Group’s services to the full.
“In Samoa the message and awareness of the rights of women and children who find themselves in violent and abusive relationships is delivered with the support of village councils and the churches working through these established organizations. It certainly has the full backing of government”, he said.
Sources
- Savali
- Image: Samoan Woman (S.U.G.A.)