identify how traditional Samoan proverbs, concepts and sayings can be used to identify, report and prevent family violence. “Pei oe e leai sou tuafafine?” used to be an effective preventive phrase rooted in the Fa’asamoa. A new litany of such devices should be developed and taught to children and among the communities, so that once again the safety of the village is founded in the Fa’asamoa rather than under threat because of it. RECOMMENDATION 9: Address misconceptions around the Fa’asamoa which further gender inequality and contribute to family violence and identify and implement ways in which it can prevent and protect against family violence. • • • • Public awareness and school education on how the Fa’asamoa is used to create gender inequality and how this leads to family violence. Political, traditional and religious leaders also speaking out in this regard. Public and school education on effective communication and conflict resolution, drawing on cultural values. Development of Samoan language around all forms of family violence through consultations and involving all demographics of Samoan society. Public awareness and school education on the vā tapuia and the importance of those relationships in the prevention and protection against family violence. 13.4 Faith INQUIRY FINDING 20: The Bible is wrongly used to justify violence against women and children and perpetuates the patriarchal society within which violence breeds. In a similar vein to the Fa’asamoa, the Bible is unfortunately used and interpreted in certain quarters to justify the gender hierarchy underlying family violence. In Part IV, the Inquiry found that emphasis on such interpretations undermine the fundamental teachings of the Bible on equality, non-violence, love and compassion. “There needs to be a rediscovery of the Samoan-Christian values of fa’aaloalo (respect), alofa (love), tautua (selfless service), amiotonu (justice) and soalaupule (consensual dialogue).” Mercy Ah Siu-Maliko, ‘A Public Theology Response to Domestic Violence in Samoa’, Inquiry document 39 By acknowledging that past interpretations of the Bible have often been prejudiced to serve the interests of those already in power, it allows fresh light to be cast on religious teachings and the mutually reinforcing relationship between religion and the Fa’asamoa be rediscovered.