of it. Similarly, a person who is brought up in a non-violent way can become a victim or perpetrator despite their upbringing rather than because of it. The statistics simply show there is an increased risk of further violence for a child who was brought up in a violent household rather than one who was not. This confusion allows the practice to continue and therefore it is important that this is widely understood. This misattribution of cause and effect allows parents to continue physical and harsh verbal punishment towards their children believing it to be in their best interests. It also has the net effect of absolving them of responsibility for their actions and the negative consequences that arise from smacking and shouting. The Inquiry spoke with many parents throughout proceedings, many of whom were concerned about perceived failing standards of behavior among the youth of Samoa. What was clear was the pervasive failure among parents to take responsibility for the actions of their children. Many excuses were put forward to the Inquiry:     “The human right of the child is to blame for why kids are now rebellious. That’s the reason kids are all acting up”6 TV and movies Loss of respect for elders Western influences However, the types of behaviour adults express concern over includes behaviour that is made far more likely through a violent upbringing. This is either as a direct result of copying the behaviour children see adult members of their families carry out or as a consequence of the impacts caused by violence towards children. For many people it is easier to imagine that they can physically discipline children to be good people rather than lead by example. “One of my friends said their dad told them ‘do what I say and not what you see me doing.” Inquiry Youth Participant, Inquiry public hearings The reasons provided to the Inquiry merely serve as a mechanism by which the parent can avoid their own responsibilities and continue parenting through the exercise of violence / discipline. An extreme example of this is the prevalence of youth suicide in Samoa. Senior members of the church and others in society have asserted the introduction of human rights has led to children believing they have unlimited rights, including the right to take their own life. No supporting evidence has been provided in relation to this claim. On the contrary, those who experience abuse are twice as likely to consider suicide and three times more likely to attempt suicide than someone who has not been abused. 7 6 Matai participant, giving evidence during Inquiry public hearings. Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 7