A village representative in Apia has lamented how violence has now become a "Samoan tradition" which is directly impacting the children.

Speaking last Friday after the nonprofit Samoa Victim Support Organisation (S.V.S.G.) held a workshop to explain its support services for victims of violence, Vaitele-tai village representative Meripa Te'o decried the impact of violence on the community.

"It is so sad to see with our eyes that violence has now become a Samoan tradition. Therefore, our village wanted to seek help from Samoa Victim Support so that we will be trained on how to address these issues," said Te'o.

"Thanks to the president of S.V.S.G. and the staff for their work that has helped the whole of Samoa prepare a better future for our children. 

"We just want to become part of this organisation to help wipe away whatever types of violence from our families to live in a healthy community."

As part of the awareness program in the village, the S.V.S.G. staff reminded the male leaders of their roles within the societies, and highlighted ways to avoid the use of violence such as anger and stress management, love and sticking to prayers, as well as working together. 

Te'o then thanked the S.V.S.G. team for the awareness program which has helped their village get ready to tackle future cases of violence.

The nonprofit organisation's President, Siliniu Lina Chang said she appreciates the fact that the country is now supporting the work that they are doing to assist victims of violence. 

"The volunteers and village representatives are our eyes and ears in the villages and they act on our behalf," Siliniu said. "For them to request for awareness programs, it goes to tell that they are willing to obtain more understanding on how to prevent violence in their families from happening and to save lives. 

"Thank you so much to the village of Vaitele-tai for considering our work."