of the financial year (“desirable VFVP”). The amounts distributed should be received on the basis they are spent on the development of peace and social harmony within that village and this should be monitored by the Samoa Office for Family Violence Prevention. RECOMMENDATION 4: Establish a ‘Violence Free Village Programme’ which provides financial incentives for the implementation of Family Violence Prevention initiatives based on Inquiry recommendations. 13. Attitudes and beliefs It is evident that there is a disconnect between an overwhelming consensus to treat family violence as a priority issue and in being able to effectively address it and that this is predominantly due to the attitudes and beliefs outlined in Part IV. Therefore, in order to turn the tide against the increase of violence, widespread attitudinal changes need to be achieved. This will not happen instantly and will require, time, patience, good planning and M & E. The recommendations in this, and the following chapters, are mainly intended to be tasked to the new Samoa Office for Family Violence Prevention (unless otherwise stated) but can be pursued in the interim period during its establishment by MWCSD and other relevant Government agencies. 13.1 Children The Inquiry has uncovered what will be for some uncomfortable truths about the nature of family violence and the way in which children are raised in Samoa plays a central role. Violence towards children, whether physical, verbal or sexual, increases the likelihood they will go on to experience more violence as an adult, either as a perpetrator or a victim. Furthermore, evidence suggests that current parenting methods do not have the intended impact on a child’s development. In fact the opposite is true and that the harm caused leads to the risk of more violence. The Inquiry has found that violence is a shortcut for effective parenting and that many parents cite a range of reasons why it is necessary from the Bible to their own experiences. The Inquiry has proved all of those to be without foundation. The way in which children are raised also lays the groundwork for the patriarchal society upon which the majority of family violence in Samoa is premised, and has evolved to a point at which effective communication no longer exists, bringing down the veil of silence around acts of violence from birth. The final revelation from the evidence gathered is that all forms of physical and verbal punishment amount to violence, and in doing so undermine the Fa’asamoa, violate the Constitution of Samoa, violate the rights of the child and go against the word of God. Many people will not be able to accept these conclusions but there is little evidence to suggest otherwise and plenty of supporting evidence. For those who are prepared to consider the validity of these conclusions there is better news. The Inquiry has also uncovered evidence which lays out an alternative path. A path which will prevent family violence,