descending behind which violence thrives. However, this is evidently not the case and there are a number of reasons for this and ways in which communication (or lack of it) contributes to family violence. “One of the basic principles of Fa’asamoa is communication (talanoa). If there is something you are upset with your wife then talk to her. But there is no talking. We are not talking. Because there is a mindset of Samoan men that my wife is my property of which I’m in control. It’s no-one’s business but my own.” Luagalau Foisagaasina Eteuati-Shon, Matai, Counsellor, Former CEO MWCSD, Inquiry public hearing The gender hierarchy which has been constructed, and which facilitates family violence, is fundamentally at odds with the Fa’asamoa in regard to communication. It has long been recognized that communication is the key to a peaceful society and when that is removed peace is threatened. It could not be clearer in this instance how the lack of communication plays a direct role in the perpetration and continuation of family violence. Hope’s husband31 was a Cabinet Minister, could not bring himself to communicate with his wife, instead resorting to physical and verbal violence any time he got frustrated. Many all over Samoa experience family violence like Hope simply because there is no way of talking, no way of solving problems without resorting to violence. A further way in which communication channels have been eradicated is through the misapplication of the Fa’asamoa principle of fa’aaloalo. Throughout any Samoan person’s life they have a responsibility to instruct, advice and guide those around them. “E tu manu ae le tu le tau logo logo.” (Birds may rest but our duty to inform does not). Samoan expression This responsibility is found within the context of the vāfeāloa’i and fa’aaloalo which demands respect of ones elders. Over time these have been conflated with the notion that women and children should be seen and not heard to the extent that the communication within these relationships is only ever one way. Many Fa’asamoa concepts are based on reciprocity and mutuality and therefore this is being misused to reinforce one of the mechanisms required for preserving gender inequality. The consequence of this is that it strengthens the framework that facilitates family violence whilst at the same time removing one of the key protection mechanisms found within the Samoa culture. As a result of this, traditional means of communication and forums for exchanges have died out over the years, further bringing down the veil of silence. No longer do families sit around every evening to discuss their concerns and parents have become so used to this state of affairs many no longer know how to talk to their children in a constructive manner and so it continues over generations. Furthermore, the strict application of the fa’aaloalo and eradication of communication channels creates dangerous situations 31 Refer to Case Study 12.