Break the Silence, End the Violence

Domestic violence awareness logo created by the “Kuya, Stand Up Speak Out” cohort. Photos courtesy of KVIBE Coordinator Savellio “Nuki” Makasini.

Domestic violence. It can happen to anyone at any time. While no one should suffer domestic violence at all, when they do, they should never have to go through it alone. That’s the message that KKV’s KVIBE (Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange) Program wants to spread to Kalihi. Anecdotally, there have been high rates of domestic violence against women and girls in many Pacific Island communities. But in those cultures, it can be difficult for people to talk about it, leaving the victims to suffer in silence. The young men of KVIBE know firsthand the damage and trauma violence can cause. They say enough is enough. It’s time to break that silence and end the violence.  

Last October was the first time KKV’s Youth Services teams banded together for a sign-waving event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The young men wore traditional Micronesian skirts as a symbol of solidarity with women. They hope to make sign-waving an annual thing. “But we always ask ourselves, ‘what more can we do to spread awareness?’” said Youth Services Coordinator Rona Mangayayam.  

One of those ways is the “Kuya, Stand Up Speak Out” project hosted by KVIBE. The project began in 2022 and aims to engage young men in preventing violence against women and girls. The cohorts hold story sharing sessions where they offer resources.  

They also create short videos about domestic violence. The most recent cohort posted their video to social media, hoping to further spread their message ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The two young men in the video spoke about the creative process behind it. “Marcelo wrote the script, and I was able to translate it into Chuukese,” said 18-year-old Clooney Doone. “It was important for me to have that translation because some people in my community don’t understand English, but it was still important for them to hear this message.” Marcelo Osonis added, “I wanted to highlight that it can happen to anyone, and that the victims aren’t alone.” Along with the video, the cohort worked together to create a logo for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was printed on t-shirts and stickers.  

Clooney and Marcelo are passionate about standing up for domestic violence, both of them saying they’ve witnessed it in their own families. “I was just a kid,” said Clooney. “I felt like I couldn’t do anything to help.” But now as a young man, he knows the needs of his community and how he can contribute to spreading awareness. KVIBE Coordinator Savellio “Nuki” Makasini says he’s seen domestic violence affect the young men of KVIBE directly. “What goes on at home has a huge impact on the kids,” said Nuki. It was important for him and for KVIBE to acknowledge that so many people experience tough times behind closed doors. “It may be taboo to talk about, but we want to bring it to light. The voice of our youth is the most powerful voice we have.” KVIBE has worked to give a voice to those who feel voiceless. More than anything, they want victims to know that they are not alone.  

Another “Kuya, Stand Up Speak Out” cohort is currently underway. Even though Clooney and Marcelo are considered graduates of the program, Nuki is hoping to include them in future sessions. “It’s so important for the boys to hear from past interns,” said Nuki. “The perspective they have, and stories can really speak to other youth.”