Men told to stop being cowards

APIA – Former Manu Samoa player, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, is calling Samoan men out – urging them to put a stop to domestic violence against women.

His comments come after the brutal murder of 25-year-old mother of two Fatima Tupa’i, who was beaten to death by her estranged husband.

“A protection order is a piece of paper and a piece of paper will not stop a violent man.”

“Tupa’i was beaten to death while she slept with her children. She had earlier told the police of her predicament and they did nothing. They failed her and her children,” he said.

He believed incidents of domestic violence in Samoa were increasing, and urged all men to put a stop to it.

“Domestic violence is a man’s issue. Who is doing the violence, the rape, the abuse? Men, we have to speak out against our brothers, fathers, uncles and friends. Men, if you see something, do something.”

“We have to stop being cowards,” he said.

He believed women were devalued in Samoa.

“Domestic violence is a product of a society that does not value women. We don’t value women. It’s that simple.”

“There are villages who still won’t allow women to be Matai. You need to understand that because you need a Matai title to run for parliament.”

“What’s crazy is this isn’t 100 years ago, this is now.”

He emphasized the historic importance of women in Samoa.

“If you look at history in the Pacific, women were our leaders. We know of the likes of Salamasina and Nafanua.”

“You see feminism is not a new concept for Samoa. It was originally our concept. It’s time we take back who we are.”

He urged victims of domestic violence to contact the Samoa Victim Support Group on 800-7874. - Samoa Observer