Part V: Analysis and Solutions
The final part of the Report addresses (v) and (vi) of the Inquiry ToR. It takes the findings from Part IV
and links them to solutions put forward throughout the public and private hearings and consultations.
The Commissioners also draw upon research undertaken by the Inquiry staff into global best practice
and studies to help inform the recommendations where a consensus was not initially evident. The
recommendations are predominantly made to three institutions: Government, the Church and
Village Fono.
Throughout the Report a number of devices are used to help the reader understand the nature of
family violence and to reflect the conversation around causes and solutions that was held in the course
of the Inquiry. These include:
Case Studies:
Individual stories told to the Inquiry directly or indirectly and reported to
provide an insight into the lived experience of victims/survivors, perpetrators
and those around them. The Inquiry case studies are drawn from all
demographics of Samoa.
Quotes:
Direct quotes from victims/survivors, perpetrators, civil servants, Ministers,
academics, etc. to shed further light on the nature of family violence in Samoa
and possible solutions.
Information Points:
Information points are one of the ways key elements of family violence are
communicated to the reader. They include general principles of family violence
and details of legislation, services and programmes in Samoa.
Myths:
Are widely held but false beliefs or ideas. A number of myths exist in Samoa
around family violence that not only prevents effective action but actually
worsen the problem. Throughout the Inquiry these myths will be highlighted to
prevent confusion and clear the way for effective action.
Findings:
Conclusions reached by the Commissioners on the state of family violence in
Samoa.
Recommendations:
Proposals for future action or work to address family violence in Samoa which
are informed by the Commissioners’ findings and suggestions from Inquiry
participants.