Violence is not the same as Conflict

Violence is not the same as Conflict — and Vā helps us understand why.

In Indigenous Pacific thought, Vā is the relational space — the sacred space between people, communities, and even within ourselves. Vā teaches that we are always in relationship: with a person, a feeling, an environment, a responsibility, a memory, or a need.

Because we are constantly navigating these relationships, conflict is a normal part of life. When relationships shift, stretch, or collide, conflict emerges. It’s not a failure — it’s information. It tells us something about the state of our relationships and invites us to respond with care, clarity, and curiosity.

Violence, however, has no place in Vā.

Violence is not conflict.
Violence is an intrusion into Vā — a rupture of relational space, a breakdown that harms rather than heals. Where conflict can strengthen Vā through dialogue and restoration, violence destroys it.

Understanding the difference matters.
If we treat all conflict as violence, we lose opportunities for growth.
If we treat violence as “just conflict,” we ignore harm.

Know the difference. Protect the Vā. Strengthen the relationships that sustain us.