The reality of family violence in Samoa would not have been possible to paint in this Report without
the courageous survivors who shared their experiences of family violence through public and private
hearings and written submissions from near and far – therefore we thank you. We also acknowledge
those who came forward to share their past experiences of committing violence towards their loved
ones with great commitment to make a difference for their own daughters and sons.
Furthermore, a sincere thank you to the financial and technical support of our partners (in alphabetical
order): Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, Auckland University of Technology,
Bluesky Samoa, The Commonwealth Secretariat, Digicel Samoa, Government of Samoa, United
Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund and UN Women. Thank you very
much and we value your commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights for all
particularly women, young girls and children of Samoa.
It is also important to recognise the assistance, contribution and participation of various Government
Ministries, NGOs, development partners, academics, lawyers, counsellors, health professionals,
experts, youth, churches, matais, and the media in the Inquiry via village consultations, public and
closed hearings and written submissions. Thank you for providing and making information available
to the Inquiry when requested.
Thank you to everyone who participated in all village consultations and discussions. You made time to
attend and participate, and provide valuable thoughts and experiences to inform the Inquiry.
I also would like to extend my great appreciation to the Commissioners who worked tirelessly
throughout the many weeks to receive information and put together this Report.
To all the dedicated volunteers who took time out to assist the staff and the Office in different ways
to complete this important project – Faafetai lava! May the Lord bless you abundantly.
Lastly, a very inadequate thank you to Mr. Ashley Bowe for compiling the Report, and Ms. Lufilufi
Taulealo for translating the text.