In a small community where silence often cloaks suffering, the peaceful “Walk4 Aro’a” march on Saturday for victims of family harm and gender-based violence (GBV) stood as a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and support.

The march from Terevete Park was a declaration that every voice matters, sending a clear message to the survivors and victims that they are seen, heard, valued and never alone in their journey toward healing.

The small but mighty group of supporters, including Prime Minister Mark Brown, joined in the Walk4 Aro’a event that was organised by non-government-organisations (NGOs) Punanga Turuturu Itivaine Inc, Ngākau Collaborative, Te Toki Tupuna, and communications advisor and Cook Islands News columnist, Thomas Tarurongo Wynne.

“This is saying we are better than that, rather than pointing at the problem we’re saying here’s the solution. The solution is our people coming together, not in protest. Today is about the victims, it is victim centred, victim focused, that’s it – this is for them,” said Wynne.

“We protest what has happened.”

The march is in response to the distressing case involving two young girls who suffered nine years of abuse, which has deeply affected the community. Fifty-seven-year-old Yawea Teophilo, labelled a paedophile, was handed a 14-year sentence last month, for 47 charges of rape, indecent assault, inducing indecent acts, sodomy and attempted rape on two children below the age of 14 between 2010 and 2019 in Rarotonga.

The peaceful ‘Walk4 Aro’a’ march for victims of family harm and gender-based violence stands as a powerful demonstration to community solidarity and support. MELINA ETCHES/25020113

Wynne said for those victims who are watching us, “know that the people here can see them, hear them, and we know that what’s going on for you is not okay, and our focus is for you. This has to stop”.

Punanga Turuturu Itivaine Inc (PTI) is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for women who have suffered domestic violence and rape, and helping empower women.

Its centre coordinator Julia Evans said PTI supported the march by standing in solidarity for all the victims that have faced gender-based violence.

“We hope that by showing the community, standing together and coming together for this it will generate more awareness for social services that are provided on the island for victims that need to seek help by services like PTI etc,” said Evans. 

Gina Tavioni Bamber, owner of the Ngākau Collaborative and director of Te Toki Tupuna, said: “Anything where our people are suffering in silence or where things need to be brought to light, I think that for us as a community we need to build awareness.”

“Make it known that there’s people out there that care and we want the victims to know that they’ve got support. To bring people together, take it out of the hidden space and bring it to light with public awareness.”

Prime Minister Mark Brown participated in the Walk4 Aro’a to show solidarity.

“I acknowledge the survivors, it takes a lot of bravery and commitment to share your story about gender-based violence and abuse,” said Brown.

He said the government stands ready to support, as it has a number of NGOs that are based around supporting those involved in domestic and gender-based violence and sexual abuse through community-based funding support.

“We’re happy to continue that, happy to consider recommendations that may come from our NGO groups about what we can do to provide more support for our survivors, to educate and promote awareness of the impacts of gender-based violence – it affects everybody, the whole of society as well.

“So it’s important for all of us to be aware that this exist in our society.”

Brown said it would be good to find people who can train others to recognise the signs of gender-based violence and abuse.

“That’s what we would really support and welcome, any sort of initiatives around that area to try and prevent it from happening.

“It’s a call out to our people as well that violence is not a solution to some of the challenges and issues that we have.”

Observing the painted placards at the march promoting “Aro’a and respect”, Brown said, “these are the values that we want our society to reflect”.

“I’m here to show some support to our people and I’d like to acknowledge the organisers of this march to raise the awareness of gender-based violence,” he added.

A mother, who joined the march, said: “The law needs to change and the sentences for the perpetrators need to be harsher.”

“I’m disgusted at what this poor family has been through, that needs to change.”