Breaking the Silence: Fighting Against Domestic Violence in Samoa

Samoa, a Polynesian paradise with ample natural resources and thriving agriculture, shockingly has one of the highest domestic violence rates in the world. The National Inquiry into Family Violence has uncovered that 90% of domestic violence stays unreported. As a whole, this island nation remains patriarchal, with men holding the majority of power; as a result, women are afraid to speak up about violence. Dangerous statistics have come out and shown that “normal” violence is considered to be anything from a slap on the face and being punched, to being shamed, sworn at or told off.

Historically, the rise of domestic violence within Samoan communities rose during the 1800s, a period in which Christianity was implemented on the island nation. In Christianity, patriarchal authority is valued at a higher level than female authority. Therefore, this created an environment in which men felt they had more power over women. Today, women come face-to-face with harsh gender roles and abuse, solely because they are females. Many other minorities or groups, such as children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly will also experience this trauma. 

Many people may ask themselves why statistics on this island nation are extremely elevated without knowing the events that occur behind closed doors. Along with the domestic abuse statistics, it is apparent that Samoa does not hold the same amount of resources and opportunities as wealthier countries. They will suffer greatly until the help they need is provided. This help has yet to come, especially from their own government. During this time, “the government’s lack of commitment and approach through the inadequate allocation of resources, support, and lack of coordination sends to people a message that gender inequality and family violence is acceptable.” This lack of support to Samoans who are experiencing abuse and domestic violence promotes the ideology that those who are abusers will not be penalized. 

Many women experience inequalities and abuse that is not solely domestic: “[O]n the streets of Apia, the small and industrial capital city, men walk around in packs, ogling women and making lewd, loud comments. Women and girls disappear from the streets by dusk and do not reappear until morning. Raised in a strictly patriarchal society, many Samoan women have been trained from birth to take up as little physical space as possible, to use voices that are barely audible, and to defer to all men they encounter with lowered eyes and a shrinking quality that is surprising to witness.” With 86% of children being physically abused in their home, action is required to maintain interpersonal and societal development. The 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations in 2015, has been delayed, therefore impacting those in developing countries. These goals are attempting to aid certain nations in gender inclusion, empowerment, and equality.

I believe that with non-governmental organizations and civil society groups focused on gender empowerment, Samoa will be able to fight domestic violence across the nation. Women should be able to speak up for themselves and share their experiences with abuse and sexual violence. For example, a young woman who is a survivor of domestic violence, created an empowerment group called “Brown Girl Woke.” It was created with hopes to improve the quality of life for females in Samoa and help stop the rapid spread of violence on a global scale. This group shares stories of domestic violence and their experiences with gender discrimination so that they feel supported and can speak up for themselves.

To further the process of development, the lives of those growing up in Samoa would be greatly improved if they were able to experience gender equality. Bridging this gender gap will help discrimination diminish and allow for all people to flourish. As a woman, I believe that females in Samoa deserve more opportunities and a safer environment where they are able to have a voice. More organizations should be actively implemented in Samoan society in order to provide a safe and supportive environment that promotes growth and gender equality.