Apia, Samoa – 16 October 2024 – The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) has opened its new Psychosocial & Medical Center at the Campus of Hope shelter facility.

The center was opened during the Mental Health Week 2024 and dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of abused women and children under care at the shelter and providing accessible counseling support for referrals from the Ministry of Police, employers, Helpline callers, and walk-in clients.

SVSG said this year’s Mental Health Week theme, “Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace” resonates deeply with SVSG and its partners as we celebrate the realization of this vital project.

The Counseling Center exemplifies SVSG’s commitment to fostering safer families and communities by prioritizing mental well-being and ensuring continued, unparalleled support for both on-campus and off-campus victims.

The grand opening ceremony was another milestone in SVSG’s services and attended by supporters and partners alike. Superintendent Aumua Col Aumua represented the Commissioner of Police in cutting the ribbon to officially inaugurate the new facility. Guests were invited to tour the center, which features ample space for group counseling, one-on-one sessions, and a dedicated room for medical checks and children’s immunizations.

According to SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang, “The Psychosocial and Medical Center is a testament to God’s divine guidance and perfect timing, made possible through the Humanitarian Experience Group from Utah, USA. The dedication and commitment of the young volunteers from the LDS Church were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.”

The center was completed in three months after its groundbreaking ceremony on June 1, 2024.

SVSG extends its heartfelt appreciation to the various partners who attended this significant event, including the Chief Field Office for UNICEF Samoa, representatives from the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, the CEO of the Goshen Trust, and representatives from The Salvation Army Samoa. Together, we will continue to provide essential mental health support through dedicated counseling services.