the problem to someone else’s village. He sees family violence as his responsibility and would like to establish a village committee to help address it. *Names changed to protect the identities of those involved Milo is just one matai who has started to change his attitude towards family violence and has recognized some of the ways to go about that. However, the fact is that family violence flourishes despite the insistence of most matais before the Inquiry that it does not even occur in their village. This is evidence that Milo unfortunately appears to still be in the minority. “We cannot do this alone. We cannot do it without the Village Fonos. They know what the law says already but despite having been through the trainings they are just not doing their job in spreading the word and building awareness. Some Village Fonos stand up for perpetrators and try to justify the abuse and that’s why they end up reoffending.” Police outpost officer, Inquiry public hearings Every village has its own by-laws, rules and regulations to govern the well-being of the community. The Inquiry heard of not one by-law relating to the prohibition of family violence and possible consequences. Rather, by-laws focused on drunken behaviour, wearing inappropriate clothing, and curfews. However, during the drafting of this Report, the Village Fono of Asau had approved policies for zero tolerance of violence against women, a positive step that should be commended.81 Institutionalizing the prohibition of family violence and its consequences would send out a strong warning to all village habitants of the social behaviour that is expected of them. The absence of such laws (with the exception of Asau) is a damning indictment of the general attitude towards family violence by the Village Fonos of Samoa and reflects an overwhelming lack of action on their part to play a preventive role in the spread of family violence. INQUIRY FINDING 29: In failing to adopt any formal measures to address family violence, Village Fonos are generally complicit in its prevalence. 8.3.1 The Role of the Matai as family figureheads The traditional role of the matai is of great importance in the battle against family violence. They are the family figurehead who is primarily responsible for resolving such matters and ensuring they do not have to be reported to the Village Fono. “They (matai) should be the first responder to the issue within the family. He should seek advice from the faifeau (church minister) or Village Fono if it is a situation outside of their control. He is responsible for the well-being and 81 Samoa Observer. “Asau moves to protect women.” (5 January 2018). Retrieved from http://www.samoaobserver.ws/en/05_01_2018/local/28509/Asau-moves-to-protect-women.htm.