Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and join a focus group where they were posed a series of questions. The questionnaire focused on identifying the prevalence of family violence in Samoa whilst the focus group discussions were designed to identify people’s understanding of the root causes, effects and possible solutions. In total, 1,500 participated in the consultations which were held in villages which took account of distance and travel routes to ensure equal access across Samoa. iii. Public and private hearings/forums: The public and private hearings of the Inquiry were at the very heart of ensuring the process is an inclusive national conversation where everybody can participate and listen to what they have to say. The central purpose of the public hearings was to enable a wide range of perspectives to be placed before the Inquiry and before society in general. Commissioners were given the opportunity to ask questions of the witnesses to explore their experiences and knowledge. In some cases, it was not possible to hear vulnerable witnesses in public without risking further harm so private hearings were also held to ensure the safety of those giving evidence. These forums were held over a period of three weeks across Samoa to hear evidence and personal testimonies from survivors, perpetrators, services providers, Government officials and any other interested parties. The value of the evidence provided during the public and private hearings is central to the National Public Inquiry process and as such this evidence forms much of the foundation of this Report and its findings. Engaging survivors of family violence (especially those that are still in a violent relationship) to share their stories as part of the Inquiry was a sensitive matter given that the potential for further harm to result is high. The hearings therefore required extensive careful consideration to ensure the Office abided by one of its guiding principles, the do no harm principle. Such principle requires the total avoidance of any further harm being caused to the survivor. The Office consulted with family violence experts, survivors and perpetrators in developing an approach to the public and closed hearings to ensure no further harm to survivors was caused.7 iv. Written Submissions: For those who were unable to attend the public or private hearings (or did not wish to) the Inquiry also invited written submissions. Contributions were received from survivors, perpetrators, academics, lawyers, international agencies and other interested parties. 3.5 Inquiry Anthology For those wishing to study the evidence upon which the Report is based in greater detail and to promote better understanding of the nature of family violence, all major documents and written submissions have been made publicly available through the Office website – www.ombudsman.gov.ws. Each document has been assigned a number (e.g. Inquiry document 1) and 7 Refer to “When collecting evidence from survivors of family violence.” Guideline. Document 125 Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws.