This collection of studies from commentators, academics and activists from throughout the region examines the diverse meanings of violence in Melanesia. It shows that the nature and level of violence varies widely across different Melanesian contexts, with some of those contexts experiencing extraordinary levels of violence. Through the reports the meaning of the categories used in Western law is challenged. Forms of oppression that were more important in the West centuries ago are still important in Melanesia, and while the cultural patterns of violence are local and plural, there are also global currents and paradoxes of political economies and restorative justice. This is not just a book for Melanesianists, but for all who are concerned about violence and healing it.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by John Braithwaite Representations Images of violence in Papua New Guinea: whose images? whose reality? Maev O'Collins 'The Gospel came … fighting is ceasing among us': Methodist representations of violence in Fiji and New Britain, 1830-1930 Christine Weir Fighting as savagery and romance: New Caledonia past and present Bronwen Douglas The production of social disorder: the example of the daily press in New Caledonia Alaine Chanter The gender of violence Contextualising sexual violence: rape and carnal knowledge in Papua New Guinea Cyndi Banks Sexual violence in perspective: the case of Papua New Guinea Anou Borrey Domestic violence in Vanuatu Merrin Mason Women as peacemakers: a case from the Nebilyer Valley, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea Alan Rumsey Non-government organisations and domestic violence Struggles of women and girls - Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea Sarah Garap Breaking the Silence, speaking out truths: Domestic violence in Solomon Islands Afu Billy The Family Support Centre, Solomon Islands Christine Ramosaea Domestic violence in Port Moresby Maxine Anjiga Makail Violence and identity Violence as continuity: violence as rupture - narratives from an urban settlement in Vanuatu Jean Mitchell Social change, contradictions, youth and violence in Fiji Michael Monsell-Davis Fighting for ples in the city: young Highlands men in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Michael Ward Violence and the state Three urban village courts in Papua New Guinea: some comparative observations on dispute settlement Michael Goddard Razor wire and riots: violence and the mining industry in Papua New Guinea Glenn Banks Violence, internal security and security stakeholders in Papua New Guinea Karl Claxton Indonesian state terrorism: the case of West Papua Otto Ondawarne 'Traditional' leaders and conflict resolution in Bougainville: reforming the present by re-writing the past? Anthony J Regan Epilogue Further reflections on violence in Melanesia Margaret Jolly References/ Index