demonstrates how once that it is done it is to the benefit of the family in the long run, benefitting as they do from the additional wisdom and ideas, rather than suppressing that through violence. The way in which the above aspects of the Fa’asamoa can be discussed and better applied vary and include education, awareness raising, improved leadership, and an open mindedness among all, as seen in Lote’s case above. They can also be achieved through the other side of the coin – re-establishing the traditional protection mechanisms of the Fa’asamoa that have eroded over time. INQUIRY FINDING 18: The vā tapuia, and Fa’asamoa generally, is no longer respected as it once was, removing a critical prevention mechanism against family violence contained within the Fa’asamoa. INQUIRY FINDING 19: Communication in Samoa has broken down and is no longer a two-way process, increasing the risk and prevalence of family violence. The Inquiry found that there has been a breakdown of the vā tapuia and especially the feagaiga. If these relationships can once again be strengthened it will provide some of the protection that is required to prevent family violence happening in the first place. The feagaiga no longer means what it once did but there is no reason that it cannot be reasserted through education and awareness raising, as is the case with all other vā tapuia. In doing so, the Fa’asamoa would be used to re-establish important protection mechanisms against family violence, address gender inequality and bring cultural values into the 21 st century. An underlying approach which needs to be adopted in order to re-establish the vā tapuia is a focus on improved communication. “Returning to the vā tapuia means opening the door to listen to victims of violence.” Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Dunlop, Inquiry Commissioner The Inquiry found that the misapplication of fa’aaloalo and a breakdown in communication between husband and wife and between parent and child leads directly to an environment where violence is more likely and then less likely to be exposed, granting impunity to the perpetrator. “Open communication within families prevents a culture of silence around violence. It is vital to break the culture of silence […] and for the community to become accustomed to talking about issues of safety and violence. This may mean breaking tapu about who can speak when.” Samoan people’s understanding of primary prevention of violence against women’, Inquiry document 91