Gender based violence does not discriminate says Samoa Victim Support Group as a 50-year-old man and his five children were the latest victims who were assisted through the organisation's helpline.

According to the statement issued by the Samoa Victim Support Group, the man had health issues and was left with his five children by his wife.

 "He was diagnosed with an illness; he was no longer able to work to provide for his family. The wife went to work and left his family for another man. The younger children were distressed from missing their mother," read the statement. 

"The ill and unemployed father had no choice but to return with his children to his village, to start over again."

According to S.V.S.G., The children's mental health became the major concern of the child protection agency, and it triggered an immediate response to the request by the father.

"It was while settling in at his family home that the man called the helpline, for food and clothing for his children during this time," further reads the statement.

"S.V.S.G. had ensured that the man and his children have food and clothing to support them during this time, hence, contributed to progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1: No Poverty) and (SDG4: Gender Equality)". 

Before the mother left, she and her 21-year-old son who is the eldest of their children used to earn income to contribute to the survival of the family and to assist her sick husband with his medicine. Due to her disappearance, the young man continued to keep his father and younger siblings assisted with his minimum wages. 

S.V.S.G. president Siliniu Lina Chang acknowledged the supportive and well-established network between Samoa Victim Support Group and its registered village representatives that have been trained to be the eyes, ears and hands of the organization in the community. 

"Gender-based violence does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, gender and nationality. The good thing is, we can address it, once we acknowledge and accept that it is not a private matter, but a collective responsibility", said Siliniu.

Through the helpline, SVSG continues to assist victims of gender-based violence, who had the courage to speak out. The organisation offers a range of services, including counseling, legal support, and emergency assistance through its 24-hour free Helpline.