Family violence in Samoa costs the country’s economy close to $150 million tālā annually, or 6 to 7% of the Gross Domestic Product.
Speaking to launch the Malu i Fale National 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Leota Laki Sio, highlighted the findings from the 2017 Samoa Family Safety Study.
He noted that 2022 marks the tenth year since Samoa celebrated the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“It has been ten years of advocacy at all levels. Ten years of reviews, refocusing, reformulation of policies, legislation, planning of frameworks, structures but sadly with very disappointing results.”
Leota said, the event launches the beginning of a series of activities to promote a violence-free world; adding that it is also a period to reflect on the many lives affected by the irresponsible actions of various people causing harm to others.
“It is a continuous plight that has affected most if not all of the countries of the world and Samoa is no exception.”
Photo: Talamua Media
