The Faleula community has developed an alternate program, where men and women join in planting fruits and vegetables in observance of the anti-violence campaign, while the Torch of Peace continues its journey.

The goals are to provide men and women with the knowledge of how to meet their financial demands since it is thought that this is the main factor contributing to domestic violence, which is the focus of the Peace Torch as it makes its way down the southern coast of Upolu and Manono Tai.

Laupa Etuale, the mayor of Faleula, emphasised the significance of the SVSG-coordinated effort to eradicate all forms of violence in communities and the measures the village is taking to keep violence from erupting. He noted that the village committee puts a lot of effort into making sure that individuals follow the laws and that penalties are applied strictly.

“In order to persuade our communities to put an end to the abuse of women and children, the Samoa Victim Support Group's campaign is crucial,” said Mr. Etuale. “And we put a lot of effort into making sure that our village regulations, which include sanctions, safeguard all women and children. 

"One of those punishments is $1000 for any reported case of violence.”

Laupa said that there haven't been any violent incidents in Faleula, which is great news since it means that women and children are safe and that people abide by the law.

"We have no recorded cases of violence as of this year, which is more than sufficient to demonstrate that there is no violence in our community and that everyone abides by the rules."

In addition, the mayor is hopeful that his community will continue to live in a peaceful environment and set good examples for other communities to follow.

The Associate Minister of Finance, Magele Sekali Fiaui joined the nation in marking the weekly domestic violence campaign, held every Thursday with his black attire at an event that took place at the TATTE building today

“In case you might wonder why I am wearing black, today is black Thursday to commemorate the campaign of freeing women and children from domestic violence," he said at the gathering.