Data from a sample of 976, two parent families showed that harsh verbal discipline/violence at age 13 predicted an increase in adolescent conduct problems and depressive symptoms.55 Furthermore, children who experienced frequent parental verbal aggression, such as swearing and insults, exhibited higher levels of physical aggression, delinquency and interpersonal problems.56 Children may internalize insults and verbal aggression and it has been shown that a young person may develop low self-esteem and negative self-worth through repeatedly being told they are stupid. 57 This global research appears to hold true in Samoa where three-quarters of children are made to feel angry, sad, unsure, and uncomfortable or scared because of the words that are directed at them. 58 Research done by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that verbal abuse may have a more detrimental effect on children than physical violence.59 We do not need to accept the word of the WHO on this matter though – Samoa has known of the damaging effects of verbal abuse for generations and that knowledge is part of the Fa’asamoa. “E pala le ma’a, ae le pala le tala.” (Rocks rot but words don’t). Samoan expression This is especially worrying in the case of Samoa as verbal abuse is far more prevalent and less well understood. The Inquiry heard from a number of people who supported this conclusion: “Beating is less painful than words, because they make me feel like committing suicide.” Inquiry public consultations participant The Inquiry heard how common verbal abuse has become in Samoa with children being told they are useless, lazy or worthless on a regular basis. Children are vulnerable in their formative years and they look to their caregivers for emotional support, love, reassurance and tenderness. When they receive harsh verbal discipline/violence instead, it sends a message of caregivers’ hostility or rejection to the child. As noted earlier, this ‘increases the risk of delinquency by lowering inhibition and fostering anger, irritability and belligerence’.60 55 For more information refer to “Stakeholder Consultations Report.” Document 58 Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 56 Vissing, Y. M., Straus, M. A., Gelles, R. J., & Harrop, J. W. (1991). Verbal aggression by parents and psychosocial problems of children. Child Abuse and Neglect. See also “Stakeholder Consultations Report.” Document 58 Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 57 John Devaney. (2015). “Research Review: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children.” Irish Probation Journal, 12. p. 85. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/506f/db2353976001352213a72baf3c48aaa743c0.pdf . Accessed 30 May 2018. 58 Philip Alston. (1985). “The Shortcomings of a ‘Garfield the Cat’ Approach to the Right to Development.” California Western International Law Journal, 15(3). 59 World Health Organisation. World report on violence and health. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/42495/9241545615_eng.pdf;jsessionid=9EF0BF921A599DC45FAAC76A8A4E8 014?sequence=1. Accessed 6 May 2018. 60 John Devaney. (2015). “Research Review: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children.” Irish Probation Journal, 12. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/506f/db2353976001352213a72baf3c48aaa743c0.pdf . Accessed 30 May 2018.