8 concerned at the persistent occurrence of child abuse. The Committee recommended to investigate cases of domestic violence, ill treatment and abuse of children and undertake studies on domestic violence in order to understand the scope and nature of these practices, adopt adequate measures and policies and contribute to changing attitudes. In 2011, similar recommendations were made by the United Nations Human Right’s Council during Samoa’s first UPR review to ensure steps were taken to address domestic violence (especially 9 traditional attitudes towards domestic violence). There has been a great amount of support over the years amongst Government, NGOs, community and international partners to produce and implement effective measures to address this issue. Examples of these initiatives include the establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit, the Family Court, the Family Safety Act 2013 and amendments to the Crimes 10 Ordinance 1961. The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and other organizations, implemented various community awareness and education programmes on domestic violence, which were publicized through, inter alia, television and radio talkback shows and in schools, youth groups and village communities. Those initiatives were aimed at disseminating information, educating, and enhancing public understanding at all levels of society on the scourge of domestic violence and gender discrimination. With assistance from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Men against Violence Advocacy Group had been established to lead advocacy and to campaign, targeting men and village leaders to join forces to eliminate violence and gender discrimination. Despite these initiatives and many efforts over the past years to address the issue of domestic violence against women and girls, still violence remains prevalent in Samoa and is increasing with serious cases resulting in the death of women. Data below from the Domestic Violence Unit of the Ministry of Police shows the increase of “reported” domestic violence cases of female victims between the ages of 17-33 between the years of 2007-2015. These numbers were cases reported only to the Police headquarters in Apia and does not include cases 11 reported to police outposts. This indicates that violence against women is endemic and widespread in Samoa. 8 CRC/C/WSM/CO/1 29 September 2006, http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/co/CRC_C_WSM_CO_1.pdf 9 https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G11/146/32/PDF/G1114632.pdf?OpenElement, http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/23_12_2015/local/613/Sex-predator-dad-jailed--Justice-Vui-revivescall.htm, http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/31_08_2016/local/10651/Prison-for-rape-of-12-year-old.htm, http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/03_03_2016/local/3186/%E2%80%98Silent-epidemic%E2%80%99discussed-at-Magiagi.htm 10 The Crimes Act 2013 has increased the maximum penalties for most sexual offences e.g attempted rape increased from 10 to 14 years, sex with a minor under 12 years old increased from 7 years to life. Sexual violation now includes rape and unlawful sexual connections. The amendments also removes exemption of martial rape. 11 Data shown is only on cases reported to the main Police Station in Apia, it does not include reported cases in police outposts and unreported cases. 5 National Public Inquiry Background Paper| Office of the Ombudsman