Transcript
Dominic Godfrey:The report is the result of a year-long inquiry into domestic violence in Samoa - a first of its kind for the region. It found that domestic violence occurs at a higher rate than the global average, and it holds the government to account for the welfare of its people.The commission says while there are protections against violence in the law, culture and faith, these are clearly failing. It says the church and village institutions are complicit in maintaining what it called a 'veil of silence', with religion and culture often used as an excuse for violence towards women and children.The commission says the government needs to take the lead in responding to these terrible statistics.
JAMIE TAHANA: The report put out some harrowing statistics and stories, didn't it?
DG: The recommendations are formed from a myriad of harrowing experiences from survivors, and some perpetrators, from all around Samoa, some of which are contained in the report. There are also damning statistics: nearly 10 percent of women will be raped by a family member. As many as one in five will be raped in their lifetime. A majority of women will experience violence at the hands of a partner, while 9 out of every 10 Samoans will experience some kind of physical or emotional violence from a family member. The commission's report tells the story of a pregnant teen who turned to her family for support, but after all she got was abuse and shame she took her own life. The majority of victims are women and children but there are other 'at risk' groups identified including the trans-gender or fa'afaine community, the disabled and the elderly.
JT: What can the government do?
DG: Currently the Ministry of Women is tasked with with addressing domestic violence but it doesn't have the legal power or budget to follow through. The ministry said in a submission, "Family Violence is a national crisis issue; it is complex given its cross-cutting nature, widespread and remains shrouded in a culture of silence and acceptance as normal." The commission also calls out the government for not funding any victim support services. There are no telephone helplines and the only service, Samoa Victim Support, is run on donations and the goodwill of its volunteers.It says the government can easily afford this.
Figures in the report show that the cost to Samoa - borne by the courts, police and health - is around 6 to 7 percent of the country's GDP. That was around WS$130 million US$50-million NZ$76-million in the 2016-17 year.
Q: What has the commission suggested?
DG: Among 39 recommendations, is one for a government-led response supported by the two other pillars of Samoan society, the church and village. It recommends a special government office be set up to combat domestic violence. The 'Family Violence Prevention Office' would develop and lead a strategy to combat these figures.