RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION 10: Develop a public theology on family violence, which addresses Biblical misinterpretations that reinforce gender inequality and violence. ACTION OUTCOME • Church led initiative in widespread consultation with experts in the field of family violence, victims, perpetrators, youth, and all major demographics in Samoan society, especially at a grass roots level. • Emphasis on identifying ways in which Biblical teachings can be used to help lift the veil of silence around family violence. IMPLEMENTATION/ RESPONSIBLE AGENCY • All Church leaders • NCC • MWCSD TIMEFRAME • Urgent attention INQUIRY FINDING 21: Women (and other specific groups) are systemically obstructed in their participation in the Village Fono, Parliament and Church, further entrenching the patriarchal system and jeopardising the success of any attempt to address family violence through not taking due consideration of the voices of those most directly affected. RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION 11: Take necessary measures to remove barriers affecting the participation of women and other groups in the Village Fono, Parliament and Churches. ACTION OUTCOME IMPLEMENTATION/ RESPONSIBLE AGENCY • Village Fono to initiate discussions to include in by-laws: a) Provisions requiring the village council to formally consult with Sui Tamaitai o Nuu and the Faletua ma Tausi on the formulation and provisions of village council policy and by-laws; b) Provision that the president of the village women’s committee and/or the women’s representative may directly represent issues and concerns of the village women’s committee to the village council at its • MWCSD in collaboration with Village Fonos, Sui o Nuu and Sui Tamaita’i o Nuu. • Parliament/ Government TIMEFRAME • Immediate attention