NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSION SUPPORTS SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE

​With Samoa still recovering from the impact of last year’s devastating measles outbreak, and now with the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic effecting the availability of resources and resourcing at a local level, the demand on Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) services has increased significantly in recent months. 
 
The SVSG provides shelter and support to those in need through their Campus of Hope facility, caring for up to 100 women and children seeking refuge from violence and abuse at any given time. Often these survivors are evacuated during the night, with only what they have on, and require everything from the most basic of necessities — food, toiletries and medication — to ongoing help with transport, counselling and health care, and community reintegration support.
 
To assist SVSG in continuing to carry out their important work, the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa has contributed ST$18,300 to enable the delivery of support and services for the next six to eight months; the bulk of which has been used to stock up on non-perishable supplies and items for Campus of Hope residents. 
 
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency, Dr Trevor Matheson, will officially hand over items funded by the New Zealand High Commission, to SVSG, tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July 2020, at 10.30am at the Campus of Hope, Tuanaimato.
 
SVSG President, Siliniu Lina Chang, acknowledges with gratitude and appreciation the positive and proactive approach of the New Zealand High Commissioner, and the New Zealand High Commission team, in supporting women, children and survivors of violence during these challenging and uncertain times.
 
Women and children can access SVSG help via the 24-hour help line, at 800-7874.