Over 500 residents from Satitoa village on Upolu island's east coast have vowed to work together to stamp out domestic violence in their community.

The village's high chiefs, women, and children of Satitoa met and expressed the need for a shared objective to develop strategies aimed at reducing violence within their homes, according to a media release issued by the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) late Friday evening. 

The community of Satitoa has actively participated in various violence intervention activities as part of the E.V.E research study, in collaboration with the S.V.S.G. and University College London (U.C.L.) for Evidence of Violence Prevention. The goal of the study is to foster local solutions that effectively address violence against women.

Throughout the two-day workshop, participants engaged in exercises and discussions designed to raise awareness about power dynamics, inequalities, and the consequences of violence within relationships. In order to delve deeper into these dynamics, the participants were divided into three groups: matai, women, and youth groups. This facilitated a comprehensive exploration of power dynamics within each group in the village.

With a shift towards achieving healthy, violence-free relationships, the participants were later divided into two groups: men and women. Engaging in breakout sessions, these groups discussed various violence intervention scenarios and explored approaches that can be employed within relationships.

One noteworthy aspect of the intervention was the recognition that a few women agreed their husbands were justified in abusing them if they failed to fulfil their household responsibilities such as cleaning and cooking. The facilitator promptly intervened and posed a question that challenged this mindset, asking, "If you were sick all day and unable to complete your chores, do you think it would be reasonable for your husband to abuse you?" This discussion amongst the residents strived to dispel harmful beliefs and promote perspectives with better understanding.

Participants have described the intervention as a valuable learning experience, highlighting its positive impact in transforming perspectives and thinking within the village. The two-day interventions, held last week at Satalo, saw active participation from 30 community members.

S.V.S.G. President Siliniu Lina Chang said the discussions during the two-day workshop were a critical component of the E.V.E. project led by the U.C.L. 

“The community Intervention component is a crucial aspect of the E.V.E. project, which emphasises collaboration between the Samoa Victim Support Group and University College London (UCL) for Evidence of Violence Prevention. By fostering inclusive dialogue and empowering individuals, the project aims to cultivate lasting change and promote violence prevention within the community.”