A Commission of Inquiry tasked to find out the severity and impact of family violence in Samoa will begin its 3 week-long dialogue on Monday.
The 5 Commissioners will meet and listen with individuals to understand first-hand the severity of violence and the impact of violence on the survivor’s lives.
There will also be exchange ideas and views with the country’s most opinion leaders and those who can influence conduct within villages on practical solutions to this issue.
The Commission is led by Chairman and Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma.
The other Commissioners are Falenaoti Mulitalo Kolotita June Ailuai Oloialii, Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, Meleisea Leasiolagi Professor Malama Meleisea and Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua-Lesa.
The commissioners have an important role to play in this inquiry as they prepare to hear from survivors of family violence, stakeholders and all interested members of the public who will share their stories and experiences of family violence in Samoa.
Launched in December 2016, the National Inquiry into family violence will focus on violence that begins in the homes.
Its primary focus will be on women and girls within the family setting with attention also on the role and impact of violence on children as they grow and develop in Samoa and any other serious issues that may arise.
The Commission formed activates s.34 of the Ombudsman Act which gives authority to the Ombudsman to initiate an inquiry if he becomes aware of a systemic or widespread issue or practice/s that violate human rights.
The Commission following its consultations with relevant NGOs/Government Ministries/International Partners, Community Bodies and lastly with the public in villages across Samoa called for submissions from all interested members of the public particularly survivors, perpetrators, village and church leaders.
The dialogue or hearings of the Commission will be carried out in two forms: Public hearings where it will be an open forum to the general public for any interested submitters who would like to publicly share views and stories with the Commissioners or in Closed hearings where people will be able to come forward and tell their story to the Commissioners behind closed doors, and have their identities kept confidential from the press and in the final Inquiry report.
Photo by RNZI. Caption: Commission Chairman and Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma