Alofa (Love) is expressed not only within the family and community but also towards guests. It includes parents caring and providing for their children, ensuring that they receive the best of everything; children caring and looking after their elderly parents; brothers and sisters looking out for each other; neighbours providing help and assistance wherever they can; the commitment and sacrifice families make towards the church; and welcoming visitors to Samoa with open arms. Fepuipuia’i (Mutual Protection) is demonstrated when parents care for and protect their children from harm and danger, and vice versa when roles are reversed later in life, or when the matai of the village ensures that members of the village live peacefully, and villagers uphold and protect the dignity of the matai. It is clear from some of the common Fa’asamoa principles above, that nowhere in the Fa’asamoa where violence of any nature is condoned, whether it is physical, emotional or financial violence. The Report will examine to what degree the Fa’asamoa is adhered to today and the role it currently plays in family violence and how that may be strengthened. 6.4.3 Faith Freedom of religion is enshrined in Samoa’s Constitution. 37 Furthermore, the Constitution declares Samoa to be a Christian nation38, meaning Christian faith and values play a fundamental role in everyday life. Christian values are founded on unconditional love, kindness, respect, integrity, peace and forgiveness, which are invariably inter-linked with the Fa’asamoa in the same mutually reinforcing manner as described between the Fa’asamoa and human rights above. Moreover, such values denounces all forms of violence. However, this is not universally accepted with many believing that physical discipline of children is necessary. Interpretations of the relationship between man and woman vary significantly having an impact on gender hierarchies, and in turn family violence. These discussions will be considered in detail throughout the Report and Faith considered as one of the key platforms for any solution, both in terms of its teachings and the significant role the Church can play in Samoan society. Samoa therefore has three comprehensive doctrines to draw upon in the fight against family violence, which when deployed effectively can not only achieve that goal but can also reinforce and strengthen each other. INQUIRY FINDING 1: Family violence is a complex social problem where causes, triggers and consequences are inter-connected. It requires a nationally coordinated approach to prevention and protection. Within the Samoa context, such a national approach should be driven by the Fa’asamoa, Faith and human rights framework. 37See 38 Article 11 of the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa. See Constitution Amendment Act 2017.