family violence

The commission of inquiry is made up of five members chaired by the ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma who are hearing testimonies from victims and survivors.

A mother who is a survivor of domestic violence told the inquiry about the suffering she'd gone through with a man who is the father of her child.

She told her story of violent abuse and while the police did not offer any help she hoped this inquiry would find a way to help end domestic violence.

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.

Maiava Iulai Toma said he was pleased with consultations with stakeholders from all sectors but most importantly with the Samoan public.

He said phase one of the inquiry was completed in May with 17 consultations encompassing families and villages across Samoa.

RNZI reports Maiava said during the consultations he came to realise that traditional institutions, such as the matai system, which is influential in regulating behaviour in villages, should be engaged.

Former Judge Mere Pulea delivered the opening address at the Pacific Community Gender and the Law Consultation 2016 in Nadi during the week, which was organised by the Pacific Community’s Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in partnership with UN Women and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.

“Putting in place laws against domestic violence in 11 Pacific Island countries is a major achievement which will have profound impacts on the lives of victims of violence. However, legislation in itself is only part of the solution,” Judge Pulea said.