“We saved many lives” - Samoa's only domestic violence shelter is helping women and children to start again
APIA, Samoa - It’s a sunny afternoon at Campus of Hope and children spill out of their classroom toward a swing set and trampoline in the shade of a large tree. Bright yellow buildings surround a lawn, vegetable garden and chicken coop.
Samoa’s only domestic violence shelter feels more like a peaceful, self-contained village than a last resort — and that’s precisely the point.
Campus of Hope was founded in 2009 by Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), one of Spotlight Initiative's partner organizations, to provide comprehensive care to women and children leaving violent households.
“Everything to do with violence against women and children, we deal with,” says SVSG President Lina Chang. “The children here are sexually abused children, abandoned children and orphans. We also have a place for domestic violence survivors [to stay] with their children.”
Right now, the campus is home to around 80 children and the shelter can house three to four families at a time. There’s a nursery, pre-school and classroom to ensure children of all ages can continue their education, while women are able to undertake economic empowerment training to build the skills they need to earn an independent income when they leave. All residents have access to legal support and psychosocial counselling.
SVSG also runs a domestic violence helpline 24 hours a day.
“The helpline is almost an entity of its own because many services happen at nighttime,” explains Ms. Chang. “Spotlight funding allowed us to pay staff to live onsite, so the helpline could operate continuously. We even built a room for [operators], as access was restricted during Covid. We saved many lives.”
In 2025, SVSG supported 190 women through direct case assistance – a number that doesn't not include external economic empowerment programmes or other services.
A life-changing call
Ana*, 28, called the SVSG hotline one night after being attacked by her partner.
“The lady on the line didn’t ask many questions, which was really helpful because it was embarrassing for me to call,” she says. “She only asked if we were okay and if they needed to pick us up straight away. She arranged a vehicle to collect us and we came straight to the SVSG office and then to the Campus.”
For Ana, SVSG’s holistic approach was essential: “My son got to continue going to school and he loved it. He enjoyed making new friends, asking questions, colouring and all the school activities. And I received counselling during the two weeks I was there.”
“Going to the shelter was something I really needed — to be away from everyone and to make up my mind about whether I wanted the best for me and my boys, or if I wanted to go back to the violence and abuse,” Ana says.
“It wasn’t easy, but Victim Support made me feel like I could do anything… I had never got the kind of help they provided. It made me realize I could really do it without my partner.”
Mataalii*, 55, endured more than a decade of abuse from her husband before seeking help from SVSG. She says years of violence had led to depression and suicidal thoughts by the time she called the helpline. With support from SVSG, she was able to obtain a protection order against her husband and access counselling. SVSG also supported her throughout the legal process.
“I am happy now with my life, and I never want to go back to having a black eye. I wish all women would come forward and speak out,” she says.
New beginnings
Having left the campus just two weeks ago, Ana is now working at a restaurant and committed to building a violence-free future for herself and her sons.
“Life is peaceful,” she says. “I know it’s hard with money for the boys, but things are going well for us. SVSG calls and texts to check on us. We are on the right path.”
Reflecting on what she’d say to her past self, Ana pauses: “There’s nothing to be scared about. And you can do it — you made it.”
*Name has been changed to protect survivor’s privacy.
By Anne Fullerton
