human rights into our Constitution. This is a testament to the longstanding understanding of how human rights can strengthen the Fa’asamoa. Specific elements of the Fa’asamoa are very relevant to addressing and understanding family violence and the following principles will be referred back throughout the Report. Feagaiga (Covenant) are spiritual covenants that exist between different sets of people and which determines the responsibilities towards one another within that relationship. Fa’aaloalo (Respect refers to the respect that must be paid within social hierarchies and the respectful way in which one must go about their role in society. Feāvaa’i (Mutual Respect) is a core value for which Samoan culture is well known. It is demanded of all Samoans, particularly children towards their parents, brothers towards their sisters, serving members towards their chiefs, young towards the old, congregations towards their pastor and so on. Respect is shown not merely in the manner of talking, but also in the body language of the person. Within all of these relationships the respect goes both ways. Vā Feāloa’i (Respect within relationships) is another form of respect focusing more within a particular relationship, providing guidance and rules on the manner in which one person speaks to another and vice versa, the language they use and their behaviour. Malupuipuia (Being protected) is a state of protection for a person that can consist of a physical sanctuary such as a pastor’s or matai’s house or it can refer to spiritual protection of a person. It can also be achieved through the protection afforded by being part of a safe community or household. Fa’asinomaga (Identity/origin/roots) dictates that every Samoan person belongs, that they have roots in a family and a village and have a role to play in Samoan society. Through this belonging a sense of responsibility within each person is created which should play a preventive role in relation to perpetrating all forms of violence. Tautua (Service) is to serve in a selfless manner in the way a matai serves their community. It can also extend to the service a church provides its parishioners or the way family members carry out their respective duties. Reciprocity and mutuality are built into the concept of tautua. The server serves the served and vice versa. Amiotonu (honesty/justice) is a sense of justice that needs to be upheld in all circumstances in order to maintain the integrity of the Fa’asamoa. It can be achieved through a number of traditional justice mechanisms carried out by the Village Fono in a manner that upholds honesty and good governance. Soalaupule (Discuss/deliberate/share) is a form of consensual dialogue which is based on an acceptance of differences within relationships and ensuring inclusivity to foster effective sharing of ideas. It represents a fine balance between Vā feāloa’i and enabling all voices to be heard and all experiences and ideas considered to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.