Rape is one of the most terrible things that can happen to a person. It leaves deep scars, not only on the victim but also on families and communities. Unfortunately, it happens all over the world, including in Samoa. But it should never happen, not here, not anywhere. Samoa is a nation built on values of respect, family, and love, and these values must stand strong against any form of violence, including rape.

Rape is when someone forces another person to have sex without their consent. It doesn’t matter if they know each other or if they are strangers. It can happen between people in relationships, even married couples, and it doesn’t matter how the person dresses or where they are. Rape is always wrong.

There are many reasons why people rape others, but none of them can ever justify it. Some people do it because they feel powerful when they control someone else. Others may do it because they grew up in homes where violence was common, and they think it’s normal. Some might have been influenced by media or friends who tell them that women or men are just objects to be used. However, none of these reasons make rape acceptable.

In Samoa, we have strong values that should stop this behaviour. We believe in "faaaloalo" (respect), "alofa" (love), and "va tapuia" (sacred relationships). But sometimes, people forget these values, and that is when terrible things, like rape, happen.

The effects of rape are devastating. Victims of rape can feel ashamed, scared, and broken. Some may even blame themselves, even though it is never their fault. Rape can destroy a person’s mental health, making it hard for them to trust others, go to school, work, or even live a normal life. It can also lead to physical injuries or unwanted pregnancies, leaving the victim to suffer even more.

In Samoa, family is everything. We pride ourselves on being a community that looks out for each other. But when rape happens, it breaks that bond. It’s not just the victim who suffers, but the entire family. Parents, siblings, and friends are hurt as well. The pain spreads far and wide.

Rape should never happen in Samoa or anywhere else. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes, schools, churches, and communities. No one deserves to live in fear. Every person, no matter their gender, age, or background, deserves to be respected.

Stopping rape is not just the responsibility of the government or the police—it’s everyone’s responsibility. Parents must teach their children to respect others from a young age. Teachers must speak up against violence and encourage students to do the same. Churches, as leaders in our communities, must remind people about the importance of love and respect for all.

We need to start by teaching boys and girls from a young age that their bodies belong to them. No one has the right to touch them without their permission. Schools and churches should educate children and youth about consent and the importance of respecting others.

Too often, victims of rape stay silent because they are afraid no one will believe them or that they will be blamed. This must change. We need to create a culture where victims feel safe to come forward and where they will be supported, not judged. Families should encourage open communication and listen to their children or loved ones without judgment if they share something like this.

Those who commit rape must face consequences. The law must be strict, and rapists must be punished. But beyond the law, the community needs to send a strong message that rape is unacceptable. People who harm others in this way should not be protected or excused.

Victims of rape need help and healing. This means offering them emotional, mental, and sometimes even physical support. They should be given access to counseling and medical care to help them recover from the trauma. Communities and families must stand by victims and help them rebuild their lives.

Too often, people make excuses for rapists or blame the victim. "She was asking for it," or "He couldn’t control himself" are excuses that only make the problem worse. We need to change the way we think about these things. There is no excuse for rape, and it is never the victim’s fault. The only person responsible is the rapist.

As Samoans, we must return to the values that define us. Faaaloalo, alofa, and va tapuia should guide our actions and decisions. If we truly respect each other, we will not harm one another. If we love our neighbors, we will protect them, not hurt them. If we honor the sacred relationships between us, we will never cross boundaries that should not be crossed.

Imagine a Samoa where no one has to live in fear of being raped. A Samoa where every person—whether male or female—can walk the streets, go to school, or stay at home feeling safe. That future is possible, but it requires all of us to work together. It starts with teaching respect and consent, listening to victims, and holding those who commit rape accountable.

Rape should never happen in Samoa. It goes against everything we stand for as a people. By working together, we can make sure that rape is not part of our future. Let’s build a Samoa where respect, love, and safety are the foundation of our society. Every person deserves to live free from fear, and it’s up to all of us to make that a reality.

Say no to rape. Say yes to respect. Say yes to a safer Samoa.