7.3.2 The breakdown of the Vā Tapuia “Primary prevention of violence against women and girls (is largely understood) within the context of the Fa’asamoa. These concepts (such as the vā tapuia) were designed to keep women and girls safe from violence. When they were understood and observed this was perceived to be so. However, when they were misinterpreted, ignored and breached, women’s and girl’s safety were undermined or at risk.” Samoan people’s understanding of primary prevention of violence against women’, Inquiry document 91 The Inquiry has already found that the vā tapuia is breached between a husband and wife where there is an unequal power dynamic and how this often leads to violence. One greatest importance of the vā tapuia is that of between the brother and sister which gives further insight into how the Fa’asamoa is being misused or largely ignored, leading to higher risk of family violence. The feagaiga is the covenant between a brother and sister, and ‘ole taufafine ole i’oimata o lona tuagane’ (a sister is the pupil of her brother’s eye) is a central principle of the Fa’asamoa, although one which extends to non-related males and females also. This principle creates an unwavering responsibility upon brothers to ensure the protection of their sisters and it shows how violence against women is intolerable from a cultural perspective. The strength of the covenant is such that simply asking “pei oe e leai sou tuafafine?” (As if you don’t have a sister?) in the face of unwanted conduct would stop it dead in its tracks. No person with a true understanding of the Fa’asamoa would persist with their behaviour. There could be no clearer example of the Fa’asamoa as a protection mechanism against family violence and as a rejection of the argument that Samoan culture actually permits violence. “We have to be mindful that it’s not just men who are violent within the family. We have to also look at the mother and sister in-laws. It makes you wonder whether it ever occurs to her whether that the women she is beating up is also the daughter of someone else’s who loves their child? It is the sister of another male. She is the treasure of another family. Does it ever occur to them? It is the vā tapuia, the sacred bond. Brothers and sisters, teachers, others in the village, every relation. People do not respect or acknowledge the vā tapuia anymore and this is why there are issues within families now.” Luagalau Foisagaasina Eteuati-Shon, Matai, Counsellor, Former CEO MWCSD, Inquiry public hearings However, from the Inquiry case studies and prevalence data, it is evident that the feagaiga, and other scared relations (vā tapuia) are no longer respected the way they once were and therefore the protection they used to afford is no longer as robust. A study amongst Samoans in New Zealand links this decline to the arrival of the missionaries.