In order to tackle family violence, its causes must be fully understood and the effectiveness of the current protection and prevention framework assessed. Part IV examines the range of causes and triggers identified throughout the Inquiry and place them in the current context of beliefs, services and systems. What is abundantly clear from the case studies and all other evidence before the Inquiry is that there is a common element to all forms of family violence in Samoa, as is the case with all forms of violence worldwide – power and control. The perpetrator in each of the case studies was attempting to control the victim or exert their power over them, usually to coerce them into a particular type of behaviour or borne out of the perpetrator’s own frustrations. The nature of family violence is such that power and control underpins all forms of it yet there are always other causes or triggers which contribute. It is rare for family violence to be carried out simply for the sole reason of trying to exert power and control. It may be to coerce the victim into conforming to gender stereotypical roles, or out of misguided love for a child, or be related to financial or alcohol issues or any of the other issues discussed in detail below. The causes and triggers are complex and inter-related and this means that there cannot therefore be one quick simple solution for addressing family violence. The only way to adopt an effective approach is to understand all of the causes and triggers and address each and every one of them. A fine balance also needs to be struck between attributing causes and triggers and also ensuring personal responsibility for one’s own actions. 7. Attitudes, Beliefs & Practices 7.1 Children The Inquiry found compelling evidence to suggest attitudes towards children and the way they are treated and raised, is a significant contributor to family violence. This happens primarily in five ways: 7.1.1 Intergenerational violence Physical and harsh verbal discipline/ violence towards children are viewed as a necessity in their upbringing and development, and this is the majority view in Samoa currently. However, evidence shows