Availability and consistence of data on reported cases of family violence
The causes and barriers to unreported complaints /cases of family violence
Samoan culture and family violence
The level of understanding of the community on family violence
Existing structures and institutions
with potential to contribute to solutions or effective
action to curb family violence.
A finalised Terms of Reference and Objectives of the Inquiry will be produced soon after the
completion of the consultations with all stakeholders.
5. METHODOLOGY
It is envisioned that the Inquiry will utilize different methods of collecting
information/evidence. Possible methods may include:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Consultations:
a. Relevant stakeholders that have done or are doing related work on domestic
violence (e.g Government Ministries, SOEs, NGOs and developing partners)
b. Village Focus Groups consultations- selected villages in Upolu, Savaii,
Manono and Apolima to discuss the extent and nature of domestic
violence and obtain their views on the issue
Research: Collecting and analysing data/statistics, reports, activities/programs
etc on domestic violence.
Public Hearings: Hearing of evidence/stories from survivors, perpetrators and
any interested party on the issue
Submission of written submissions by interested parties on their views on the
issue.
The full details of this plan will be outlined in the Inquiry Plan.
6. POSSIBLE RESULTS OF THE INQUIRY
The inquiry will only make findings and form recommendations when it has heard and
considered all of the evidence it receives. However, it is helpful to consider some of the
possible findings at the outset to inform the broad direction and framework of the inquiry,
and for this to be considered throughout.
It is clear from the findings of the SHRR 2015 that there is a view held among a notable
percentage of the population that family violence is an acceptable cultural norm. If the
national inquiry uncovers supporting evidence this will constitute a substantial finding. The
inquiry will then look into why this has occurred and make recommendations to the relevant
stakeholders to address this belief. The inquiry in itself will foster a national conversation on
family violence, with every person invited to participate. Once the true scale and nature of
family violence is established through the inquiry, only then can we decide as a nation
whether we are happy to continue with the status quo or whether reform is necessary. The
ultimate solutions will therefore be formed by consensus and nationally owned.
A further key area for potential findings arising from the national inquiry is in relation to the
services and support available to survivors of family violence. The under-reporting of cases of
8 National Public Inquiry Background Paper| Office of the Ombudsman
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents