A REFRESHING CHANGE AMIDST THE INCREASE IN SEXUAL VIOLENCE

​With the increase in the number of sexual violence against young girls reported to Samoa Victim Support Group during the month of July 2020 compared to the same time in 2019, a refreshing change has been noted.
 
The mothers of the young girl survivors of sexual violence are taking on the suffering together with their daughters, as they are starting to break the spell on the silence tolerated in the past, and reported the abuse that is happening within their families.
 
It has been a breath of fresh air; noted as a progress towards raising our voices against the danger of fear; of pride and of silence.
 
This is because as a support service organization, SVSG knew exactly how silence is suffocating.  This is especially given the history of SVSG and how it was born out of the need to be there for the incest rape survivors, who were most often, abandoned by their mothers to take on their husband’s side.
 
The mothers accounted for 80% of the sexual violation cases reported to SVSG during July 2020, and for this, we here at SVSG remain hopeful.  We know it is not easy, but the mothers chose to feel the depression and the anxiety together with the daughters by speaking out.  
 
The anguish and the pain are what we can clearly see on their faces, as they sought help with SVSG. But these are the norms surrounding violence that we are trying to break, the attitudes and mindsets that it is a private matter.
 
Today, SVSG acknowledges the courage of the mothers to be the responsible and loving mothers to their daughters; fighting the good fight, despite the humiliation, the accusation and the stigmatization from all around.
 
“Continue to stay strong dear mothers, and thank you for your role in breaking the cycle of violence in the homes.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President

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