VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: LET'S DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
21 August 2021 :
The recent findings of a national survey of violence against women is alarming but it tells us nothing new. The Multi Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019-2020 was released by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and discussed in a presentation by the United Nations Resident Coordinator last Friday.
The survey revealed that over 52% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 years experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. The statistics are alarming and shameful for a country founded on God and for whom religion and its teachings form part of our weekly life. However, it would appear that our faith and beliefs are segmented to set hours and clearly many husbands, boyfriends and partners do not abide by these at all times. The survey gives us nothing new other than a finite percentage of the extent of ongoing violence.
This is nothing to be proud of. The media frequently includes reports of abuse and violence although we are becoming immune to the devastating impact it has on women, children and families. The courts have been occupied recently with other issues but no doubt there is a backlog of other cases pending.
There are a few privately funded groups such as the Samoa Victims Support Group which provide shelter, protection, safety and help for the victims. But how are these situations allowed to fester to the point where separation is the only option? We see many examples of sporting and community events which are held to "raise awareness". Bright colours, catchy themes and graphics have been developed and promoted yet the problem persists. More so, there does not appear to be any affirmative action to reduce the frequency and the extent of violence. So basically we:
1. Are aware of the issue
2. Know statistically the extent of the problem, and 3. Thankfully have in place somewhere that victims can seek help. Clearly this is not good enough.
Regretfully I do not have a magic solution either. But on behalf of the Logo Puialii Samoa Youth Group (LYG) I will persist in keeping this issue on the agenda and in front if as many people that we can. In a male dominated society we need to start changing the mind set of village matai, faifeau, untitled men, church ministers, police officers, community leaders and others that VIOLENCE IN ANY FORM AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! NO EXCUSES! NO BLAME! NO RATIONALE! The courts play a major role in this process. However they are at the end of the law enforcement process. They must continue to send strong and consistent messages back to society.
Womens groups, church groups and committees in villages need to be more aware and willing to protect women and children who they know are at risk. These women need to be recognised empowered and supported in this mission. They should be able to intervene where appropriate without retribution. New educational material needs to be developed aimed particularly at maturing teenagers and students. This material should include discussions by police officers attending domestic disputes, nursing staff and doctors from the Emegency and trauma unit who treat the victims and also from the victims themselves. This can be done while respecting personal privacy.
The brutal reality needs to be exposed.