The village council of Avao is firm in their beliefs that the "Word of God speaks as well as inspires and encourages" citizens to eliminate violence in society.

This is one of the outcomes from discussions as Avao became the second of seven villages to be consulted under the auspices of the Men and Boys Against Violence Project, which is being implemented by Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) in partnership with the Samoa Government.

The consultation was an opportunity for the non-government organisation to learn from Avao village leaders on the contributing factors as well as possible solutions to violence which are relevant to their own village.

This was important as the village council formulated a community guide that they unanimously agreed will be implemented by Avao to eliminate violence against women and girls.

By-laws to prohibit the abuse of women and girls in the village have been noted in Avao’s community guide, which validates the commitment from the village council to the national efforts to eliminate violence.

And true to the village’s belief in the Word of God, Avao’s community guide is based on the theme: “O Atamua o le Taeao o Mataitusi Auro Fa’aaloi’afi o le Tusi Paia e Tafiesea ai Sauaga." (The new morning of the golden burning letters of the Holy Bible eliminates violence).

The theme also becomes a key message by Avao, which will be printed on a signboard and placed in the village centre, as part of continuous awareness on ending violence.

The consultation with Avao also highlighted a transparent approach by the village council, as the village leaders also engaged the untitled men in conversation, to draw on their experience on what they perceived as violent behaviour and attitude, especially in their interaction with village leaders.

The S.V.S.G. President Siliniu Lina Chang praised the partnership and assured that they stand ready to work together.

“Thank you to the alii and faipule of Avao for your firm belief in the written word as S.V.S.G. stands together with Avao in claiming victory over violence," Siliniu said in a statement. 

In May this year the S.V.S.G. and the Samoa Government entered into an agreement whereby the Government will provide support to the S.V.S.G. deliver six targeted programs to eliminate violence against women and girls.

The project includes counseling for victims of violence; advocacy programs for perpetrators of violence; community prevention programs lead by men; shelter support for women and children survivors of violence; welfare support to address violence through poverty alleviation; and  awareness and advocacy in colleges and youth groups.