Fa’asamoa principles of talanoa (communication), feāvaa’i (mutual respect) and fepuipuia’i (mutual protection). As well as increasing the risk a child will go on to be a perpetrator, the use of physical and harsh verbal discipline/violence also increases the risk of them becoming a victim in the future. This happens in two ways. First is that violence towards children increases risk factors for further violence. Secondly through children watching how their parents live with violence, thinking it is the norm and replicating that behaviour as a victim when they grow older too. The cycle of violence therefore continues. The risk factors which lead to further violence have been detailed in section 9.1 and include psychological and physical harm which can lead to dropping out of school and in turn increase financial pressures which can trigger family violence. It also means they are less likely to be aware of protection services available to them. This is just one example of the path to a cycle of violence a child can find themselves on through no fault of their own, simply by being exposed to violence in their youth. The inter-connected nature of family violence means that these risk factors are all inter-linked and that violence breeds further violence. The true scale of how violence towards children breeds further violence in Samoa is well illustrated by the SFSS 2017 which found:4   children who have been subject to violence are nearly three times as likely to become victims of IPV later in life; boys who had witnessed IPV were also three times more likely to become perpetrators of IPV later in life.5 INQUIRY FINDING 10: Children subjected to violence or those who witness violence growing up are at a substantially increased risk of becoming a perpetrator or victim of family violence later in life. 7.1.2 Misunderstandings of cause and effect and failure to take parental responsibility There is a growing realisation among society that parents generally need to start taking responsibility for the way in which children are growing up to embrace violent lifestyles and other negative behaviours. The Inquiry is not seeking to judge parents in any form – indeed for many a violent upbringing is all they have known and they are a broader part of the inter-generational nature of family violence in Samoa. However, it is possible to break that cycle and now is the time for parents to start asking themselves honestly whether they are truly living up to their responsibilities and if not what improvements can be made. In Part V this question will be considered in detail and guidance provided. 4 Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 5 Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws.