This under-reporting of violence was apparent to the Inquiry as it was clear that people were becoming so sensitized to violence that for some a kick, a slap or a punch, no longer constituted violence and it had to be far more serious in order to meet that threshold. The perceived lack of seriousness was the primary reason for not reporting abuse according to 66% of respondents in the SFSS 2017. Outside of their definition of violence fell ‘a slap in the face, punching, shaming or being sworn at’ – all classic coercive behavioural types. When asked whether IPV was worsening 44% of women agreed, whilst 26% thought there has been no change and 23% viewed as it having improved. In considering these statistics we must also take into account the phenomenon described above in considering the cycle of violence whereby women often internalize abusive behaviours as a defence mechanism (and how that is reflected in high rates of acceptance among women of IPV). If a near-majority perceives family violence is worsening despite this internalization of abusive behaviours it suggests that the problem could be escalating at an alarming rate.33 The seriousness of the types of violence being perpetrated was already beginning to show its face in 2000 when almost one in ten women surveyed (8%) had lost consciousness because of the abuse they had suffered.34 One person, possibly more than any other in Samoa today , understands the face of IPV and that is Siliniu Lina Chang35 who has years of experience working with victims and survivors. Her views reflect the conclusion that IPV is not only becoming more prevalent but the nature of it is becoming more abhorrent. “Today, the nature of violence is more serious and perpetrators are becoming more innovative in the way they carry out violent acts. In the old days it was just a case of scaring their wife but now it is about killing them. We have come across really horrific cases of violence, especially on women and children. Injuries you would never even imagine when you think about our cultural and religious values. This includes burning children with irons and cigarettes, knife injuries and more.” Siliniu Lina Chang, President of SVSG, Inquiry public hearings 7.2.4 Other types of adult family violence Whilst IPV constitutes a large amount of the violence within the family other types exist too. These include violence towards in-laws (nofotane (female in-laws) and faiāva (male in-laws)), and interfamily or blood relations (inter-sibling violence, and inter-generational violence between adults). The following case studies serve to illustrate the nature of violence found within these two broad categories. 33 Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development. (2017). Samoa Family Safety Study. Document 46 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 34 SPC and UNFPA. (2006). Samoa Family Health and Safety Study 2000. Document 83 in Inquiry anthology, accessible at www.ombudsman.gov.ws. 35 Siliniu is the President of Samoa Victi m Support Group.