There is a general lack of understanding and awareness of the Family Safety Act 2013. 30% of respondents to the SFSS 2017 knew of it but did not know what was in the Act and 24% were not aware at all. The report also found that “the lack of knowledge of the Family Safety Act 2013 was not confined to the public and interviews conducted revealed that Ministry staff were still coming to understand it and the Police are still in need of more training in the legislation”.67 Both the OAG and the MJCA relayed to the Inquiry that raising awareness of the law was either not within their portfolio or was restricted by resources. The Inquiry found evidence of this lack of understanding in the case studies where marital rape was prevalent yet still not considered to be a crime. Having a strong legislative framework is essential in the fight against family violence, but the public must understand what the law is and how it protects them. For now, a lack of understanding of the law means that people are not being protected as they should and family violence continues. There is also a general lack of awareness of service providers in relation to family violence, which has a similar impact to the lack of knowledge of the laws. The SFSS 2017 asked respondents which service providers they are familiar with and whilst SVSG was well known there was a lack of knowledge of the services Government provides. Only 56% were aware of the services provided by the MoP and 22% of those provided by MWCSD.68 The Government is the primary responsibility bearer for ensuring the rights of all citizens of Samoa are met, yet almost half of the population is not aware of how the police may be able to assist in cases of family violence. This lack of awareness is one more contributing factor to an environment where family violence is routinely left unaddressed, perpetrators absolved of responsibility and the status quo maintained. INQUIRY FINDING 25: There is a general lack of awareness of key laws and services, which means that many victims may not access the support they require and future prevention is not achieved, therefore allowing family violence to continue. 8.1.4 Journalism and the Media “The role of the media is very important in prevention and intervention of family violence as the ones who can make stories public and write about domestic violence. But then it all depends on the approach that is taken and how the stories are written.” Faleafa Falaniko Taefu, Matai, Inquiry public hearings Journalism is critical in the process of effectively tackling family violence. The Inquiry found that their role in bringing the issue into the national consciousness was extremely effective and positive. The case of 67 Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 68 Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws.