d) Dealing
with
victims
and
perpetrators of family violence;
e) Services and referral systems for
victims and perpetrators of violence
(e.g. filing protection orders etc.);
f) Legislative framework;
g) International
human
rights
standards;
h) Documentation of family violence.
INQUIRY FINDING 36: The National Health Services is lacking the resources and knowledge to effectively screen for victims of family violence
and there is no allied health system for victims to be referred to. Harmful attitudes and perpetrators among some staff contribute to the lack
of reporting and continuation of family violence.
RECOMMENDATION
ACTION OUTCOME
RECOMMENDATION 26: Enhance
the role and capacity of the health
service to adequately protect
against family violence and to play
a role in ending the cycle of
violence.
Ministry for Health to acknowledge family
violence as a public health issue and to develop
a comprehensive plan for its role in addressing
the matter, including;
Establish a screening process for family violence,
with the interests of the victim at the centre and
ensuring no further harm is inflicted as a result;
Conduct regular training of health professionals
on family safety covering the following topics:
a) Gender stereotypes, bias and role in
family violence;
b) The role of power and control and the
cycle of violence;
c) Causes and impacts of family violence in
Samoa;
IMPLEMENTATION/
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Health Sector
MOH/NHS
Samoa Family Health
Association
TIMEFRAME
Urgent
attention