8. Violence Against Other Specific Groups (Persons with disabilities, the Elderly, Fa’afafine and SOGISC persons) Family violence can and does happen to anyone. There are certain groups who can also be at risk and as such attention should be afforded to them to understand why there is an increased vulnerability. The lived experiences of those within such demographic can form the basis of a more sensitive approach to prevention and protection. The Inquiry engaged with key advocacy groups such as the Samoa Fa’afafine Association (SFA) and Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA) to encourage submissions from their networks and respective organisations. Whilst they were consulted during the initial consultations it was not possible to speak with NOLA and neither did either of the organisations make any further submissions. Furthermore, no survivors or perpetrators of family violence falling within these specific groups came to give evidence during the public or private hearings. Regardless, this chapter tries to shine a light on some of the experiences and types of family violence perpetrated against these specific groups and urges greater research and consultation in the implementation of the Inquiry recommendations. 8.1 Persons with disabilities The Office in its State of Human Rights Report 2016 focused specifically on the rights of persons with disabilities. The report found that there was a clear lack of reporting in relation to abuse of women with disabilities to police. A reason for this was the absence of avenues of reporting for women with disabilities when they are subjected to abuse and exploitation.43 Moreover, it was unclear whether or not the police are specifically trained and equipped to handle complaints of abuse and sexual exploitation of women with disabilities.44 The SFSS 2017 also had a focus on persons with disability but the sample sizes were too small to draw any firm conclusions about whether those groups are more vulnerable. Despite this, the Commissioners believe they (especially women with disabilities) are vulnerable to family violence. Therefore, this is an area that requires considerably more research to establish whether persons with disabilities are more at risk of family violence due to any impairment having an impact on their ability to resist any attempt of violence towards them. 8.2 The Elderly The Samoa Law Reform Commission (SLRC) urged the Inquiry to consider abuse towards the Elderly.45 The SFSS 2017 also raised concerns towards the abuse of the Elderly as an emerging issue of critical concern. 43 Samoa Office of the Ombudsman/ NHRI. (2016). State of Human Rights Report: Persons with Disabilities. p. 29-30. Samoa Office of the Ombudsman/ NHRI. (2016). State of Human Rights Report: Persons with Disabilities. p. 29-30. 45 Samoa Law Reform Commission written submission to the Inquiry. Document 83 Inquiry anthology. 44