Many witnesses in giving evidence to the Inquiry lamented the fact that the majority of church ministers no longer pay house visits and know their congregation. “There are times when church ministers are not doing enough. There are times when they do not take their role seriously and this is one of the reasons why they are unable to deal with family violence. The very important role of the faifeau is to get to know his flock and that way he can pick up easily when something is wrong. It is important to do regular visits like they used to.” Samoa Family Safety Study, 2017, Inquiry document 46 The Inquiry has found this to be the removal of a critical prevention mechanism to family violence as church ministers are no longer able to identify warning signs of family violence and take early preventive action. Two reasons were put forward as to why the role of church ministers has diminished in this way. The first being that some church ministers spend less time within their parish and were simply less inclined to spend their time in this way. The second was that people would make fun of them and say that these rounds were only conducted in order to collect donations. Through a closer relationship with their congregation ministers could also undertake specific activities which would also reduce the risk behaviours associated with family violence. 14.4.2 Limitations on church financial obligations Churches can also play a preventive role in family violence by acknowledging how it contributes to its prevalence through the increased financial pressures arising from church obligations and addressing this issue. It has clearly spiraled out of all control and it is the responsibility of the churches to take action, else the Government should intervene. The tithe in the Bible refers to 10% of one’s earnings as the required contribution.42 An example of this is the practice by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. A similar means based contribution could be considered and applied in Samoa. People should no longer be made to feel ashamed for contributing less and no longer should economic disparity be worsened by the church and lead directly to a higher risk of family violence. 14.4.3 Advocating against family violence In general, the leadership of the church needs to improve and the current silence or reluctance to address family violence matters mirrors the Village Fono where patriarchy has tended to frustrate objectivity. Churches must adopt a zero tolerance approach to violence among church ministers themselves. The Inquiry was referred to press reports and heard evidence of church ministers sexually assaulting family members or the congregation or counseling abused women back to their abusive partners. If this is the behaviour of church ministers who preach the word of God, it is hardly surprising that family violence is rampant. Individual churches therefore have to introduce effective monitoring and reporting 42 Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-28; Deuteronomy 26:12-13.