Perceptions about Traditional Culture in the Solomon Islands and their Potential for Assisting in the Protection of Vulnerable Children

With increasing humanitarian concern about the abuse of vulnerable women and children in Melanesia there has been increasing impetus for external agents to intervene in Solomon Island societal structures. This study examines the perceptions of a diversity of Solomon Islanders that are experts in child protection and welfare in their country. It considers their perspective of traditional culture and their views of the role that culture has in the protection of children. It then makes preliminary recommendations about the need for these cultural matters to be included in any intervention that is proposed for the amelioration of child abuse in the Solomon Islands.