7.1.7 Sexual abuse and incest According to senior members of the Judiciary, sexual abuse of children and incest has become an epidemic.11 It should come as no surprise given how common stories of sexual abuse and incest in Samoa in recent years. This was also confirmed by the stories of family members committing sexual violence towards other family members, as well as young girls enduring horrific acts of sexual violence often at the hands of those they should be able to trust the most. The case studies below not only highlight some of the experiences of victims and survivors of sexual violence and incest during their childhood, but also unpack and dispel myths around sexual violence. These experiences need very little explanation. The facts speak for themselves and are a terrible reminder of the heartbreaking epidemic of sexual violence towards children in Samoa. Case Study 6: Lani Wendt Young* Lani was about 7 when the abuse started. The abuser was a male relative who was welcomed into her home whenever he visited. “I say I was ‘about’ 7 because it’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment. There’s often no single traumatic event, but rather a gradual process where the child is groomed by the abuser so they are your friend. The things they do to you are playful and fun, a special secret that you share. Sometimes the abuse can feel good to your innocent and trusting child’s body. Until it doesn’t. And then they turn to threats and fear to keep you compliant.” Lani did not tell anyone about her abuse for years, until she met her husband – someone she could finally trust again. It took another 20 years of counselling and further heartache before she was able to fully open up about what she had experienced. *Lani gave evidence to the Inquiry during the public hearings and consented to the use of her real name for the report. Her courage in speaking publicly, and that of the other public witnesses, is acknowledged by all of the Inquiry Commissioners with the hope of removing the veil of silence around family violence. 11 Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws.