Tackling domestic violence should be made a priority

By Ilia L Likou 11 October 2017, 12:00AM

The growing number of violence-related incidents, especially domestic violence, in Samoa is worrying. 

For 45-year-old mother, Rita Pisa, of Se’ese’e, she wants leaders to make it their priority to sort this out once and for all.

“To be honest, there are disturbing results about violence in families and our country should no longer be taking it lightly,” the mother-of-four told the Village Voice.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility, which includes church, government, village council and everyone.”

She says addressing family violence needs to start from home. 

“We should start from the family level up to the church, village council and then the government.

“As a mother, strengthening families by embracing Christian and cultural values is one of the solutions that we need to look at.

“It is important to start from family because this is where we hear and see the first and primary source of Christian and cultural values.

“As the Bible says train your children in the way that they should go and when they grow old they won’t depart from it.”

She believes the church should lead by example.

“Preaching the Word of God should go together with actions,” Rita said.

“The church should extend its focus beyond physical church building and reach out to members of the community residing in the interior part and marginal areas of the village.

“I know that these are families that are most vulnerable to acts of family violence in the country.

She adds village councils and the government are the most effective ones to drive the message to families in the country.

“At this time, there’s no need to point out who’s going to do this and that, we should all work together to avoid this kind of behaviour (violence) in our families.

“Family violence has been around for a long time and I know there have been efforts to address family violence but unfortunately to date we are still at it.”

Rita added we should also look to introduce family safety in primary and secondary school levels.

“In my own honest opinion, this is the next source of knowledge critical to family.

“It is important to teach our children the essence of family safety before adulthood.”

By Ilia L Likou 11 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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