“When will we stop seeing children as punching bags?”

2026-03-05 - 20:17

6 Match 2026 Apia Samoa, SVSG Press Release. The Samoa Victim Support Group have once again put out the call for a stop to family violence, publishing photos of a case where a 5 year old has been brought under their care following a beating by his parents. “When will enough be enough?” asks the SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang as another child is brought under the care of the facility. “When will we stop seeing children as punching bags?” SVSG asks in a public post. “When will we learn to heal from anger?” Siliniu says she has seen far too many children, bearing the scars of their parents’ anger and as long as these questions remain unanswered, the cycle of violence will continue within families. “SVSG will remain a place of refuge..” assures President Siliniu Siliniu says SVSG is grateful for the community support and acknowledged all those who helped out to ensure the young boy was brought to SVSG. “Faafetai faafetai tele lava to everyone who assisted in the safety of this child.” A 2018 National Public Inquiry into Family Violence in Samoa found that 9 out of 10 children experienced violence. The SVSG campus is designed to accommodate and meet the needs of approximately 110 children. At any one time, there are between 80 to 100 children depending on current intake and successful family reintegrations. There are purpose-built shelters for infants, children, and youth, as well as a separate house for women fleeing domestic violence. 800-7874 is the SVSG Free Calling Helpline number. That means you dont need credit on your phone to call. We are only a phone call away. 24 hours service. We are your family.