of family violence using Fa’asamoa eradicated and the protection mechanisms re-established. Neither of these goals are easy nor will they happen overnight, but they are possible. The Inquiry found evidence that the Fa’asamoa is often used to justify male superiority over women. Those who seek to make this argument are therefore not only reinforcing the environment within which family violence thrives but also betraying the fundamental principles of Fa’asamoa, Faith and human rights. On the contrary, when applied well the Fa’asamoa can play a strong role in the pursuit of gender equality, which in turn ensures the strengthening of the family unit – the heart of Samoan culture and essential for the well-being and peaceful development of the community. Family violence is inherently contrary to the Fa’asamoa and it is therefore entirely logical that when correctly applied, the Fa’asamoa should be one of the key tools in fighting this social ill. The common misapplications of the Fa’asamoa and the consequences need to be thoroughly understood generally, among society and a renewed understanding of the original meanings, especially in relation to:     The role of the male within the household as pule: Rather than being the ultimate authority, who inevitably has to use violence to demand compliance from his inferiors, this needs to be understood as a guiding role for the overall well-being and development of the family unit that cannot be achieved without the input of everyone. The role of nofotane: Greater emphasis on woman as maupaolo rather than nofotane to ensure their protection and the overall well-being of the family unit. Furthermore, recognition of the feagaiga between men and women where mutual respect is upheld by both parties. The application of fa’aaloalo (mutual respect): A narrow application of fa’aaloalo can lead to family violence going unreported as victims feel unable to raise matters with their elders. An understanding of how family violence can be discussed whilst still respecting the fa’aaloalo needs to be developed. Family shame: Violence is happening in every village in Samoa, in every extended family. The time for not talking about it because it is perceived to bring shame is long past. Shame has been brought onto the entire society and can no longer be hidden by this veil of silence. Family matais have to start being proactive in bringing perpetrators of family violence to justice and actively oppose any retribution for those who seek to expose such acts. This is another issue where leadership is required to direct the nation. An excellent example of how these goals can be achieved can be found in the case of Lote and her motherin-law.22 After the mother-in-law passed away Lote went on to become the women’s village representative and through her work became a matai and eventually the main decision maker in the family which once was the cause of her abuse. Lote’s case highlights how it is just people’s attitudes which stand in the way of embracing diversity and welcoming people into an extended family. It also 22 Case Study 18.