Our Community Law Centre was established primarily to assist vulnerable members of society in accessing legal justice. Our Centre offers tailored legal advice to help individuals navigate justice systems, especially those who cannot afford lawyers. Our Centre also serves to encourage victims of abuse to utilize legal tools to protect themselves and hold perpetrators accountable.
Our Community Law Centre practices to respond rapidly and creatively to specific community needs to ensure assistance is afforded to the community to improve the lives of those most in need. Our Centre is closely associated with the Ministry of Police, Ministry of Justice, Courts and Administration and other support groups within our Organization such as Advocacy Groups and Counseling Services to ensure comprehensive assistance is provided to victims and community members.
Information, Support and Guidance.
Advocacy provides information about where to access:
Purpose
The purpose of Advocacy Case Management at the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) is to foster safer families through accountability, coordination, and positive behavioural change. The Case Manager works to ensure that victims and children are safe while also supporting the participant to take responsibility and demonstrate changed behaviour. This includes referring individuals and families to appropriate services such as counselling, parenting support, and specialist programs, where violent behaviours have occurred.Â
The Case Manager liaises with Police and the Courts to provide relevant information regarding risk, engagement, and compliance with court orders. Where children are identified as being at risk of significant harm, children are cared for by SVSG Campus of Hope until court proceedings are concluded. Further assessments and arrangements are then made.
Case Management aims to reduce harm, support accountability, encourage lasting behavioural change, and prioritise children’s safety and wellbeing.
Youth and Children’s Counselling
– Counselling for young people and children is available and will be held at a Campus or SVSG main office.
– These services provide specialised support for children who may have experienced trauma, sexual abuse and or family violence.
Individual Counselling
– Referrals may be provided for individual counselling.
Couples Counselling
– Couples counselling may be referred only where it is assessed as safe and appropriate. Safety of all parties is the first priority.
Important Information About Custody Matters
Advocacy and SVSG do not determine child custody arrangements.
All custody matters are handled by the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration through the formal court process.
If you require information about custody or parenting orders,
guidance can be provided on where to seek assistance.
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Program
SVSG Advocacy Service provides structured court-ordered intervention for adults who have used domestic or family violence with a focus on maintaining safety. Â
The purpose of the program is to:
Referral Pathway for a Behaviour CourseÂ
When a Judge orders participation:
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Where and when Â
Location
SVSG Advocacy Centre – Upstairs Group Room
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Time
9:00am – 12:00pm
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Group Format
Men’s and women’s groups are held separately.
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Men’s Program Schedule
Monday and Wednesday – 9:00am to 12:00pm
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Women’s Program Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday – 9:00am to 12:00pm
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Program
Participants are allocated based on assessed risk and court direction.
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6-Week Program
8-Week Program
12-Week Intensive Program
Program Focus
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Attendance & Participation
Participants must:
Non-compliance may result in removal and Court notification.
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When the course is completed:
A final meeting will be held between Advocacy Case Manager and the participant. The program facilitator will provide feedback to the case manager. Â
A formal report will be completed by your advocacy Case Manager and the Program Facilitator and provided to the court.Â
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The report will include but not be limited to:
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Cultural Foundation
The program recognises:
However:
Culture and faith will never justify violence.
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Key Statement
The primary aim of Advocacy is the safety of victims and children.
Individuals are supported to change, but safety remains the priority.
Keeping your community clean and green, one pickup at a time for a healthier tomorrow for a clean earth & clear future.
