which was reported and the reaction was to call for the need to hit children in schools. As it later turned out the students alleged sustained violence from a particular teacher which had become intolerable. Whilst the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools that was introduced in 2013 is a step in the right direction, it is also clear that it has not yet been fully implemented and that there are still some questions over the suitability of teachers to deliver the curriculum. “50% of school children are fearful of a particular teacher because he/she is physically violent, while 38% are because he/she is verbally abusive.” Samoa Family Safety Study, 2017, Inquiry document 46 The prohibition is all well and good but if it is not being adhered to by the teachers themselves, then it will continue to have the negative effects outlined in this report so far. The question of corporal punishment will often rear its ugly head, as it did at the start of 2018 in Samoa, and the reason is simple. Violence is a short cut for spiritual guidance and positive discipline. It is the easy way out. But the consequences are overwhelmingly negative. INQUIRY FINDING 23: Corporal punishment in schools contributes to the prevalence of family violence and other negative societal outcomes. Total prohibition is essential for the success of any family violence initiatives. However, the current ban in place in Samoa is not being fully implemented, thereby increasing the risk and prevalence of family violence. 8.1.3 Public Awareness There is no doubt that public awareness of family violence has increased dramatically over the past 10-20 years and it is now a topic that people are able to talk about freely. It is reported regularly in the media and 85% of 1,500 people all across Samoa felt it was an issue which needs to be dealt with as a matter of priority. Only 4% believed it to not be a problem. “15 years ago not a lot was said about violence. Now there is a lot of reporting on it, lots of awareness, yet the statistics have deteriorated.” Mata’afa Keni Lesa, Editor Samoa Observer, Inquiry public hearings The Inquiry found supporting evidence to Mata’afa’s assertion that despite this increased public awareness the situation is not improving. The reasons for the lack of progress are many. Much can be attributed to the reluctance of those in power to face up to the fact that patriarchy breeds and sustains family violence. They therefore stay silent on the matter.