The Samoa Victim Support Group has taken up the role of providing a suicide helpline which was previously done by Faataua le Ola (F.L.O). SVSG has partnered with Lifeline International.

FLO was dissolved by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L) in early February. With no suicide helpline, SVSG decided to take up the service. 

The service is considered essential because many times suicides have been prevented because the person just needs someone to talk to.

SVSG Office Manager, Tafatoa Sam Fruean elaborated on the importance of their role in Samoa, especially when it comes to those who are suffering physically, emotionally, and mentally. They strive to provide the best service they can to help prevent any incident. 

They have trained and qualified people working on their helpline service and have counsellors on standby for this festive season. 

"We've already sent out our message for this festive season because these are the times when a lot of challenges or incidents occur. Our president sent out that message as a reminder to people that we are here.

"Our helpline is still operating, if you need help during this festive season, our team is on standby.

"Our service is on 24/7. We always need someone to talk to so we do have our counselling team for that. We also have an evacuation team on standby if it's cases of violence. We met on Wednesday with the Ministry of Police to lay down our plan for this festive season."

According to Tafatoa, the number of calls they receive each day varies and problems being reported are all different however they still cater to the people because their number one priority is the safety of everyone and ensuring everyone gets the help needed. 

According to the SVSG helpline database, emotional abuse and intimate partner violence have been the main contributing factors.

"The number of calls every day varies, however late night calls like after midnight, we mostly get more than 10 calls during that period. No matter what time they call, we will always pick up. I

"The nature of some calls either have to do with family brawls, or a mother seeking our help to get her children back from her husband's family, sometimes it's people who just need someone to hear her or his story. 

"So we are here to listen and give advice and encourage them and make them feel safe and heard. We acknowledge our communication service providers Digicel and Vodafone for their service, our helpline is free, doesn't matter which phone company you're with it is free. Call us if you need any help."

 Mid-November this year, the President of SVSG, Siliniu Lina Chang mentioned that they have been dealing with an increase in sexual abuse cases, attempted suicide, and women abused at home but now they are also dealing with cases involving men. 

Their helpline 800-7874 is available 24 hours seven days a week for anyone who needs help with any issue in families, villages or even churches.