3. National Public Inquiry into Family Violence 3.1 Focus In 2014, the Office undertook an analysis of existing systemic human rights issues to determine priority areas of work. Violence emerged as the most urgent and widespread issue in Samoa.3 Therefore, the Office decided that the most effective approach for such a complex systemic human rights issue would be a National Public Inquiry. Due to the broad scope of violence in Samoa, the Office chose to focus its first Inquiry on ‘Family Violence’ with emphasis on violence against women and girls and the impact of violence in the upbringing of children. It will also address the impact of family violence on any other vulnerable groups identified during the process. For the purposes of the Inquiry: “Family” means all members of a Samoan aiga (family) living in a typical communal or small unit setting. “Violence” covers all forms of violence such as emotional/physiological, physical, sexual and financial. In addition, it also includes “any other controlling or abusive behaviour where such conduct harms or may cause imminent harm to the safety, health or wellbeing of a person.” 4 3.2 Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Inquiry was determined by the Chairman of the Inquiry in consultation with stakeholders and consist of: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. To inquire into and identify those most vulnerable to family violence and the nature of the violence experienced; To inquire into and determine the causes and factors contributing to the occurrence of family violence; To inquire into and identify the impact of family violence; To inquire into and scrutinize the relevance, effectiveness and scope of the existing programmes and services involved in addressing the problems faced by survivors of family violence; To inquire into existing structures and institutions (e.g. church and Fono a Alii ma Faipule) with potential to contribute to identifying solutions and effective actions to curb family violence; and To report on findings and make recommendations. 3.3 The Commissioners The Inquiry Commissioners are ultimately responsible, on behalf of the NHRI, for the conduct of the Inquiry and for its reports and recommendations. It is of the utmost importance that the right people are selected for the role. In appointing the Commissioners consideration was given to the relevant 3 See Samoa Office of the Ombudsman/ NHRI. (2015). State of Human Rights Report 2015: For Samoa by Samoa. Apia: Government Printers. 4 See section 2 of the Family Safety Act 2013.