Voice of the Voiceless

​Four children ages 13 – 15 have suffered physical and sexual abuse in the homes and at school, as reported to Samoa Victim Support Group within a period of one week.  Three of the four children are now under court Protection Orders and as minor, SVSG has to apply for court protection on their behalf.  SVSG became their voice.
 
For the physically abused children, severe injuries were sustained.  For the sisters who were sexually abused from within the homes, the injuries run deeper, and a cause for great concern.  Three of the children are now under SVSG’s shelter care including the two sisters.  Counseling are provided while the case is with the Police.
 
In all the 4 cases, it was not the children who reported the matter to SVSG simply because they were afraid, but those outside of the family who showed that they care.  A Principal who could have turned a blind eye to visible signs of abuse on one of his students; a Church Minister who saw injuries on a child being abused by not just one but three teachers from a College; and an SVSG village representative who could have minded his own business yet was suspicious of 2 young girls, once so vibrant and full of life, yet seem withdrawn and lost.  Strangers became the voice for these abused children when they referred the cases to SVSG for assistance.
 
As the voice of the voiceless, SVSG has to heard against all the noise and pressure to hide what happened to these children as it refers all the cases to Police and further to the Court when applying for Protection Orders.  And SVSG would not have been able to become the voice of the abused children without the members of community who made that initial call.  Thank you for being responsible citizens.
 
SVSG President therefore appeals to members of the public to work together with us in protecting our children.  “Please, we are just a phone call away.  Our 24-hour Help Line is free.  Call 800-7874 or our office phone on 25392.”  Siliniu Lina Chang