The 10-day relay for the Torch of Peace finally concluded on Friday after reaching more than 50,000 Samoans in Upolu and Savai'i to raise awareness against violence. 

It was a solemn yet hopeful journey as it saw the engagement of the Samoan community of different age groups and walks of life. 

On its final journey, it made stops at the offices of a few important stakeholders and entities in the country including the judiciary, parliament, and Government offices. 

The journey also showcased the support and palpable emotions from the community for the efforts and hard work of the Samoa Victim Support Group and its campaign to rally the community to address violence in Samoa. 

The special ceremony to mark the conclusion of the Torch of Peace relay that traversed through Savai'i and Upolu was held at the Friendship Park behind the Government Building. 

It was attended by students, parents, community and church leaders as well as leaders of the government, diplomats and non-governmental organisations. 

Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio'o said the large turnout showed there was a large number of Samoans who wanted to end the cycle of violence.

"The Torch of Peace campaign has really put the spotlight on violence and witnessing the commitment and participation of everyone was heartwarming," she said.

"There’s no doubt that there are women and children out there, victims of a cycle of violence, who fear for their lives and that of their children to speak out.

"Overwhelmed by the thought of a family member-turned-perpetrator subjecting them to more violence, should they reveal the extent of the abuse they’ve received behind closed doors, and out of sight of the general public including law enforcement authorities."

According to the SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang, it has been 18 years since the SVSG has served Samoa as a service provider for victims of gender-based violence, and rehabilitative support for offenders of gender-based violence.

“The Torch of Peace is adopted as a meaningful and impactful GBV awareness initiative, and a means of saying Thank you Samoa for being on board with us throughout the years,” she said.

“While statistics on cases of violence indicated an upward trend in light of the COVID-19 pandemic while the brutality of violence committed against women has led to death for some, as a strong advocate of violence-free families and communities, SVSG continues to remain hopeful.

 “Putting the spotlight on the Torch of Peace is therefore, SVSG’s effort to raise the visibility on community solidarity, community engagement, and community action to address gender-based violence to date, with an emphasis on violence against the most vulnerable, usually women and children.”

The Torch of Peace 2023 symbolises hope, peace, and light for a community that has come a long way from the silent acceptance of gender-based violence which has been apparent in Samoa in the past towards a vocal and visual community solidarity and action.