Court recommends anger management

“Anger is a human emotion. But the key is “how do we handle that?” – Judge Tafaoimalo Leilani Warren

The Samoa Victim Support Group’s Advocacy programme for both men and women is quickly becoming a hit with the Family Court.

Yesterday, almost all defendants in the hearings before her Honour, Judge Tafaoimalo Leilani Warren, were referred to the programme.

In doing this, they were given an opportunity to develop their skills in controlling anger and bad temper.

The defendants were in Court for several charges including assault and uttering insulting words.

The victims were either family members or people who are closely related to the defendants.

During the hearings, Judge Tafaoimalo recommended S.V.S.G’s advocacy programme where men and women are given assistance in how to handle their anger.

It became apparent during the hearings that almost all cases of assault was a result of minor differences that could have easily been addressed in a more peaceful manner.

Instead, the defendants were unable to manage their anger, resulting with the incidents from which they were charged.

The majority of the defendants informed the Court that they have already resolved their disputes.

But Judge Tafaoimalo had other ideas, saying the Court could not just let them go without providing the assistance they needed.

She said it was important that they undertake the programme to ensure they will react differently the next time they are tempted.

“Anger is a human emotion,” she reminded.

But the key is “how do we handle that?”

With that, Judge Tafaoimalo said it would be better for the defendants to undertake the six-week programme with S.V.S.G.

The Court also noted that the Probation office also provides counselling of this sort.

Probation officer, Kristle Tofilau, who appeared in Court provided the Court with information about the success of almost all similar cases that have gone through their programme.

Last year, the Samoa Victim Support Group announced its first Men’s Advocacy Group to assist in building networks with men across the country to stop violence against women and children.

Coordinator of the group Papali’itele Tusimona Tinai believes that one of the important roles they will be playing is taking awareness programmes to villages and around the country and getting men to listen.

“Another vital role is that we will be act as an advisory group for other men that do commit violence against their wives and children to assist them in building a better family environment and to have them stop this abuse altogether.”

When asked whether he believes that there are women who are also violent against their spouses and children “yes but that is only 20 per cent compared to the 80 per cent of men that commit these acts”.

Papali’itele’s comments are in relation to the numbers of cases that have come through S.V.S.G. He understands that women are culprits too but stressed that their group is specifically focused on addressing the issue with men.

President of the organisation Lina Chang said as S.V.S.G progresses on its journey there is a lot of need for fathers to be on board. “I am happy that the advocacy group will be a voice for men so that their views on the matter can be heard.”

Mrs. Chang said this is a way forward for the organisation and a step closer to building awareness of the dangers on women and children as an impact of violence they suffer.