CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES
Donor Agency: UNICEF Pacific
Duration: October 2015 – December 2017
Funding support from UNICEF Pacific for two years enabled SVSG to recruit a 3-member Child Protection Team comprising of:
to deal with daily cases of gender based violence lodged with Samoa Victim Support Group.
It involves support for each child from when his/her case is lodged with SVSG, referral of the case to the Police for further investigations all the way to the Courts.
It also includes relevant counselling for the abused child as well as supporting the rehabilitation programs for the children while under SVSG’s care at the Campus of Hope shelter facilities
In 2016, Laura Gibbons, a Communication Specialist with UNICEF Pacific visited SVSG and captured the following Human Interest Stories from some of the survivors at the Campus of Hope:
UNICEF PACIFIC: Human Interest Stories:
Turning the tide on violence against children in Samoa
Duration: October 2015 – December 2017
Funding support from UNICEF Pacific for two years enabled SVSG to recruit a 3-member Child Protection Team comprising of:
- Court Officer;
- Case Officer; and
- Child Protection Officer
to deal with daily cases of gender based violence lodged with Samoa Victim Support Group.
It involves support for each child from when his/her case is lodged with SVSG, referral of the case to the Police for further investigations all the way to the Courts.
It also includes relevant counselling for the abused child as well as supporting the rehabilitation programs for the children while under SVSG’s care at the Campus of Hope shelter facilities
In 2016, Laura Gibbons, a Communication Specialist with UNICEF Pacific visited SVSG and captured the following Human Interest Stories from some of the survivors at the Campus of Hope:
UNICEF PACIFIC: Human Interest Stories:
Turning the tide on violence against children in Samoa
Mele, 16, was sexually abused by her father and has lived at the Samoa Victims Support Group for three years © UNICEF Pacific/2016/Mepham
“My favourite story is Cinderella,” Mele told meas we sit together at the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) in the capital, Apia. She is 16 years old but already she has lived a life that no one should.
When she was just 13 years old, her father began to sexually abuse her. Confused and scared, she confided in her mother what was happening. To her dismay, her mother didn’t believe her. This crushing betrayal left Mele without hope and at her lowest point she considered suicide.
The word resilience does not have a direct translation in the Samoan language but this is what Mele showed when she built up the courage to approach another trusted adult, a priest, to alert him of what was happening to her. Thankfully his response was very different and he immediately contacted the staff at the SVSGwho placedMele in a secure shelter where she has remained for three years.
What is most impressive about Mele is her ability to forgive her parents (her father is now in jail) and her newfound commitment to wanting to help other children deal with situations similar to her own. “I am grateful that I feel safe and secure and I want to encourage other children never to give up because someone will listen.”
Breaking the silence of violence in Samoa
Violence against children, of widely varying degrees, is commonplace across the South Pacific region. Recent Pacific research undertaken by UNICEF and UNFPA, found there is a strong correlation between violence perpetrated against children and violence perpetrated against adult women, particularly in the home.
In Samoa, 46 percent of ever-partnered women between the ages of 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. 62 percent of women have experienced physical violence by a non-partner. 11 percent of women have experienced sexual violence by non-partner. Perpetrators of non-partner physical abuse before the age of 15 are: Father, 36 percent; Male in a family, 4 percent; Female family member, 39 percent; Teacher, 19 percent.
Violence against children can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse, and may involve neglect or deprivation. Violence can also affect children in an indirect way – witnessing domestic violence between parents, for example, or between a parent and his or her partner. Violence against children is typically perpetrated by those entrusted with their care: parents or other family members, teachers and community members. There is clear evidence that suggests that violence can affect children’s health and well-being on many different levels – physical, psychological, social and emotional.
One of the most concerning elements related to violence against children is the silence in which it breeds. Similar to other countries, reporting on incidents of violence is minimal in Samoa in large part due to the cultural implications thattend tomanifest in two distinct ways: those affected or witnessing violence don’t speak up because they have come to believe this practice is socially acceptable and they have no right or desire to prevent it. The other reason why violentincidents go unreported is because of the shame (personal and familial) and stigma that is often associated with survivors of sexual or physical violence and violence.
Child rights advocates in Samoa are adamant about tackling these practices and perceptions and underscore that religion or cultural beliefs and practices are not a justification that warrants causing harm to a child.
One such advocate is Supreme Court Judge Tafaomalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, who says the root of many of these issues stems from the somewhat erosion of the family unit which can be attributed to shifts around urban drift, economic empowerment and generational changes tofamily coping mechanisms. “Samoa has made many judicial strides in passing legislation and establishing a Family Court, a Family Violence Court and a Youth Court but all too often I see members from the same family appearing in these different courts. This points to a greater societal shift that is having a knock on effect for younger generations. Family is the foundation and we need to get that right.”
There is broad consensus that increased focus and efforts around supporting the family unit are critical to ensure the protection of children, since, in spite of the challenges it faces, the family remains the primary unit of social and personal identity in the Pacific.
Another longtimechild rights advocate in Samoa, and current sitting member on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Justice Vui Clarence J.Nelson,agrees with this sentiment. “As a judge, you often see the worst end of the spectrum and the grave impact violence can have on individuals, especially children. Too often, children who come from disruptive and dysfunctional familiesfall through the cracks and often themselves become both a survivor andperpetrator of violence. The establishment of the Olomanu Juvenile Centre was an important move in trying to give young offenders a second chance at a better life. Rates of re-offending are low so we can see that the targeted approach is working.”
House of dreams in a life of terror
“My favourite story is Cinderella,” Mele told meas we sit together at the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) in the capital, Apia. She is 16 years old but already she has lived a life that no one should.
When she was just 13 years old, her father began to sexually abuse her. Confused and scared, she confided in her mother what was happening. To her dismay, her mother didn’t believe her. This crushing betrayal left Mele without hope and at her lowest point she considered suicide.
The word resilience does not have a direct translation in the Samoan language but this is what Mele showed when she built up the courage to approach another trusted adult, a priest, to alert him of what was happening to her. Thankfully his response was very different and he immediately contacted the staff at the SVSGwho placedMele in a secure shelter where she has remained for three years.
What is most impressive about Mele is her ability to forgive her parents (her father is now in jail) and her newfound commitment to wanting to help other children deal with situations similar to her own. “I am grateful that I feel safe and secure and I want to encourage other children never to give up because someone will listen.”
Breaking the silence of violence in Samoa
Violence against children, of widely varying degrees, is commonplace across the South Pacific region. Recent Pacific research undertaken by UNICEF and UNFPA, found there is a strong correlation between violence perpetrated against children and violence perpetrated against adult women, particularly in the home.
In Samoa, 46 percent of ever-partnered women between the ages of 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. 62 percent of women have experienced physical violence by a non-partner. 11 percent of women have experienced sexual violence by non-partner. Perpetrators of non-partner physical abuse before the age of 15 are: Father, 36 percent; Male in a family, 4 percent; Female family member, 39 percent; Teacher, 19 percent.
Violence against children can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse, and may involve neglect or deprivation. Violence can also affect children in an indirect way – witnessing domestic violence between parents, for example, or between a parent and his or her partner. Violence against children is typically perpetrated by those entrusted with their care: parents or other family members, teachers and community members. There is clear evidence that suggests that violence can affect children’s health and well-being on many different levels – physical, psychological, social and emotional.
One of the most concerning elements related to violence against children is the silence in which it breeds. Similar to other countries, reporting on incidents of violence is minimal in Samoa in large part due to the cultural implications thattend tomanifest in two distinct ways: those affected or witnessing violence don’t speak up because they have come to believe this practice is socially acceptable and they have no right or desire to prevent it. The other reason why violentincidents go unreported is because of the shame (personal and familial) and stigma that is often associated with survivors of sexual or physical violence and violence.
Child rights advocates in Samoa are adamant about tackling these practices and perceptions and underscore that religion or cultural beliefs and practices are not a justification that warrants causing harm to a child.
One such advocate is Supreme Court Judge Tafaomalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, who says the root of many of these issues stems from the somewhat erosion of the family unit which can be attributed to shifts around urban drift, economic empowerment and generational changes tofamily coping mechanisms. “Samoa has made many judicial strides in passing legislation and establishing a Family Court, a Family Violence Court and a Youth Court but all too often I see members from the same family appearing in these different courts. This points to a greater societal shift that is having a knock on effect for younger generations. Family is the foundation and we need to get that right.”
There is broad consensus that increased focus and efforts around supporting the family unit are critical to ensure the protection of children, since, in spite of the challenges it faces, the family remains the primary unit of social and personal identity in the Pacific.
Another longtimechild rights advocate in Samoa, and current sitting member on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Justice Vui Clarence J.Nelson,agrees with this sentiment. “As a judge, you often see the worst end of the spectrum and the grave impact violence can have on individuals, especially children. Too often, children who come from disruptive and dysfunctional familiesfall through the cracks and often themselves become both a survivor andperpetrator of violence. The establishment of the Olomanu Juvenile Centre was an important move in trying to give young offenders a second chance at a better life. Rates of re-offending are low so we can see that the targeted approach is working.”
House of dreams in a life of terror
The House of Dreams is the name of the living quarters at the Campus of Hope shelter run by the SVSG in Apia © UNICEF Pacific/2016/Mepham
The Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG)is anotherstrong advocate for the protection of children and their rights. SVSG is a volunteer organisation founded in 2005 with the aim of creating a safe space for victims of violence.It is now regarded as a key player in the response and prevention of violence and abuse throughout Samoa. The large sprawling space for the Campus of Hope shelter and the downtown administrative office in Apia were both donated to the SVSG by the Samoan Government.
As well as the main shelter, which offers comprehensive care services, the SVSG has also expanded itssupport services to include a phone helpline, counselling, youth employment and education programmes, assistance with legal processes, men’s advocacy groups and a growing network of SVSG representatives that operate at the village level. SVSGPresident Siliniu Lina Chang says of the organisation’s evolution, “It wasn’t easy at first because nobody wanted to talk about [violence]. But the more we keep hiding it, the worse it gets.”
UNICEF funds three staff members within the SVSG and provides technical support around child protection training and procedures.
A chance to be great
The Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG)is anotherstrong advocate for the protection of children and their rights. SVSG is a volunteer organisation founded in 2005 with the aim of creating a safe space for victims of violence.It is now regarded as a key player in the response and prevention of violence and abuse throughout Samoa. The large sprawling space for the Campus of Hope shelter and the downtown administrative office in Apia were both donated to the SVSG by the Samoan Government.
As well as the main shelter, which offers comprehensive care services, the SVSG has also expanded itssupport services to include a phone helpline, counselling, youth employment and education programmes, assistance with legal processes, men’s advocacy groups and a growing network of SVSG representatives that operate at the village level. SVSGPresident Siliniu Lina Chang says of the organisation’s evolution, “It wasn’t easy at first because nobody wanted to talk about [violence]. But the more we keep hiding it, the worse it gets.”
UNICEF funds three staff members within the SVSG and provides technical support around child protection training and procedures.
A chance to be great
Ruta, 19, has found her passion in cooking and transforms from a shy and reserved teenager into an extroverted confident trainee chef as soon as she enters the kitchen © UNICEF Pacific/2016/Mepham
Ruta, 19 years old, is dressed in her chef’s uniform and speaks with intense pride about being the only female graduate of her culinarytraining course, which she participated in via SVSG’s youth employment programme.
Ruta came to the SVSG aged 16 after being sexually abused and violently threatened by her uncle. Soon after, she received some additional upsetting information: that her mother had been raped by her own father (Ruta’s grandfather) and fallen pregnant with Ruta.
These intense experiences shattered Ruta’s confidence, sense of identity and her ability to trust. In finding her passion for cooking however, Ruta has been able to regain these lost abilities and begin to rebuild her self-belief.
She says, “I have never returned to my home but I am stronger now and I have found support through my new colleagues who feel like family.”
Shared cultures leading to collective learnings
With so many shared values and cultural patterns, the Pacific region prides itself on neighbouring nations working closely together to address common issues, otherwise known as South South cooperation.
Lessons and skills have been shared across multiple disciplines but this is especially true in the case of stemming the tide of violence against children and strengthening protection systems.
One such initiative is The Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP), a joint initiative of New Zealand Aid Programme, NZ Police, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) organisation also supported by The Australian Federal Police – Pacific Police Development Programme Regional (AFP PPDPR).The programme focuses on establishing and increasing capacity around domestic violence units as part the police service in several Pacific countries. Kiribati, Fiji and Samoa have all seen success with the programme and the improved visibility on domestic violence issues has helped instigate a shift in cultural norms and reiterate that domestic violence is a criminal offence that will not be tolerated.
Deputy Police Commissioner in Kiribati, Eeri Aritiera, notes the programme has been a positive way to encourage attitude shifts even within the police service, “’It’s none of my business’ is not an ok attitude – we are no longer observers but need to be agents of change.”
The South Pacific Council of Youth and Childrens' Courts (SPCYCC), is another successful example of inter-Pacific knowledge and skills sharing, all the more so as youth justice is a new area for many countries. The council brings together youth and childrens’ court judges on an annual basis for capacity building workshops and presentations on lessons learned and legislative best practices.
The SVSG’s success in Samoa has led to an expansion of its operation to New Zealand, Australia and soon Hawaii, providing culturally appropriate services to diaspora. Visitors to these new locations tend to be not only Samoan but from across the Pacific. Information sharing between the centres has led to refining programmes based on shared experiences and practices.
Sustaining the momentum
Ruta, 19 years old, is dressed in her chef’s uniform and speaks with intense pride about being the only female graduate of her culinarytraining course, which she participated in via SVSG’s youth employment programme.
Ruta came to the SVSG aged 16 after being sexually abused and violently threatened by her uncle. Soon after, she received some additional upsetting information: that her mother had been raped by her own father (Ruta’s grandfather) and fallen pregnant with Ruta.
These intense experiences shattered Ruta’s confidence, sense of identity and her ability to trust. In finding her passion for cooking however, Ruta has been able to regain these lost abilities and begin to rebuild her self-belief.
She says, “I have never returned to my home but I am stronger now and I have found support through my new colleagues who feel like family.”
Shared cultures leading to collective learnings
With so many shared values and cultural patterns, the Pacific region prides itself on neighbouring nations working closely together to address common issues, otherwise known as South South cooperation.
Lessons and skills have been shared across multiple disciplines but this is especially true in the case of stemming the tide of violence against children and strengthening protection systems.
One such initiative is The Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP), a joint initiative of New Zealand Aid Programme, NZ Police, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) organisation also supported by The Australian Federal Police – Pacific Police Development Programme Regional (AFP PPDPR).The programme focuses on establishing and increasing capacity around domestic violence units as part the police service in several Pacific countries. Kiribati, Fiji and Samoa have all seen success with the programme and the improved visibility on domestic violence issues has helped instigate a shift in cultural norms and reiterate that domestic violence is a criminal offence that will not be tolerated.
Deputy Police Commissioner in Kiribati, Eeri Aritiera, notes the programme has been a positive way to encourage attitude shifts even within the police service, “’It’s none of my business’ is not an ok attitude – we are no longer observers but need to be agents of change.”
The South Pacific Council of Youth and Childrens' Courts (SPCYCC), is another successful example of inter-Pacific knowledge and skills sharing, all the more so as youth justice is a new area for many countries. The council brings together youth and childrens’ court judges on an annual basis for capacity building workshops and presentations on lessons learned and legislative best practices.
The SVSG’s success in Samoa has led to an expansion of its operation to New Zealand, Australia and soon Hawaii, providing culturally appropriate services to diaspora. Visitors to these new locations tend to be not only Samoan but from across the Pacific. Information sharing between the centres has led to refining programmes based on shared experiences and practices.
Sustaining the momentum
Two survivors of violence unite together to form a heart at the Campus of Hope in Apia, Samoa© UNICEF Pacific/2016/Mepham
Notable progress has been made in Samoa as it relates to strengthening child protection systems and underling the need to uphold children’s rights more generally; establishment of the Youth Justice Court and Young Offenders Act, establishment of the juvenile centre, as well as recently reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva for the second time. More positive progress will come with the child protection and safety bill and the sex offenders’ bill, both of which are currently in the process of legislative review.
Chief Executive Officer for Ministry of Women Community & Social Development, Fuimapoao Naea Beth Onesemo-Tuilaepa, says the objective is to create “an articulated child protection system bolstering recent legislative advances with community engagement and education. We need to focus onunpacking myths around cultural and religion mindsets, attitudes and beliefs in order to encourage positive and sustained behavioral changes.”
She adds that this can be achieved by harnessing structures that are already in place such as village councils, community leader,faith based groups and teachers, “If we don’t have true community led improvements, we will continue to see the same issues.”
For the tide of violence to turn in Samoa, both prevention and response measures are needed. Children deserve to grow up free from fear, pain and harm.
*Names of survivors of violence have been changed to protect their identity.
The author
Laura Gibbons is a Communication Specialist with UNICEF Pacific.
Notable progress has been made in Samoa as it relates to strengthening child protection systems and underling the need to uphold children’s rights more generally; establishment of the Youth Justice Court and Young Offenders Act, establishment of the juvenile centre, as well as recently reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva for the second time. More positive progress will come with the child protection and safety bill and the sex offenders’ bill, both of which are currently in the process of legislative review.
Chief Executive Officer for Ministry of Women Community & Social Development, Fuimapoao Naea Beth Onesemo-Tuilaepa, says the objective is to create “an articulated child protection system bolstering recent legislative advances with community engagement and education. We need to focus onunpacking myths around cultural and religion mindsets, attitudes and beliefs in order to encourage positive and sustained behavioral changes.”
She adds that this can be achieved by harnessing structures that are already in place such as village councils, community leader,faith based groups and teachers, “If we don’t have true community led improvements, we will continue to see the same issues.”
For the tide of violence to turn in Samoa, both prevention and response measures are needed. Children deserve to grow up free from fear, pain and harm.
*Names of survivors of violence have been changed to protect their identity.
The author
Laura Gibbons is a Communication Specialist with UNICEF Pacific.