A/HRC/18/14 Commission. Samoa being a predominantly Christian country, decriminalization of abortion would need careful consideration and an ample public discussion in order to achieve a sustainable and practical amended legislation that would accommodate and reflect the sensitive nature of the issue. Currently, abortion could be made legal only when the continuation of a pregnancy might have implications on the life of the mother or of the unborn child. 10. On the question regarding a standing invitation to special procedures of the Human Rights Council, Samoa reaffirmed its standing invitation for any special procedures of the Council to visit Samoa as extended in paragraph 43 of its national report. 11. Regarding steps to address traditional attitudes towards domestic violence and gender discrimination, Samoa reported that the Domestic Violence Unit within the Ministry of Police and Prisons of Samoa, with the assistance from the New Zealand Police, as well as the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, had various community awareness and education programmes on domestic violence, which were publicized through, inter alia, television and radio talkback shows and in schools, youth groups and village communities. Those initiatives were aimed at disseminating information, educating, and enhancing public understanding at all levels of society on the scourge of domestic violence and gender discrimination. With assistance from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Men against Violence Advocacy Group had been established to lead advocacy and to campaign, targeting men and village leaders to join forces to eliminate violence and gender discrimination. 12. In order to provide shelters for victims of violence, the Government of Samoa had been working closely with the Samoa Victim Support Group, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provided services in this area, including through the provision of funding assistance to support the Group’s programmes for victims of violence and the shelters it operates. The Government’s proposed Community Sector Program, which was about to be completed, would facilitate financial and technical support for NGOs providing services in this area and enhance coordination between the Government and NGOs on child protection and violence against women and children. 13. Samoa indicated that the Family Safety Bill 2009, which comprehensively addressed domestic violence, was at the finalization stage and it was expected to be submitted to Parliament before the end of 2010. The review of the Crimes Ordinance 1961 included stiffer penalties for sexual crimes. 14. Regarding the question on available mechanisms for the review of police conduct, Samoa emphasized that unacceptable behaviour by police was not tolerated. Police officers found guilty of breaking the law and committing a crime were prosecuted in courts. The Professional Standards Unit of the Samoa Police Service, established to examine police misconduct, was reviewed by the Ombudsman, and appropriate recommendations made to the Minister of Police and the Attorney General for a final decision. The Police disciplinary regime was undergoing further review in order to continue to be able to provide a transparent process. The Public Service Commission also provided oversight on the public service as a whole. 15. On the issue of the legal status of patrilineal inheritance, Samoa explained that its laws did not prohibit or discriminate against women owning or inheriting property. Customary land was held collectively by a family under the custodianship of the family chief. The successor to the chiefly title could be a male or a woman. Title to freehold land was held individually, with no gender specifications on ownership and inheritance. The notion of patrilineal lineage of property, both customary and freehold, had no cultural or legal foundation in Samoa. 4