Theories describing domestic violence toward women are predominantly ethnocentric in that they are largely based on western notions of family and family life. Strategies responding to domestic violence are also based on values reflective of their cultural origin. This article claims that the Duluth power and control wheel, a model adopted universally as a tractable strategy for managing male aggression, has significant gaps within the analysis when reviewed from a Samoan perspective. The article provides a critique of the Duluth model and explores the knowledge requirements for social workers working with Samoan women who have been abused by Samoan men. It suggests ways to work with Samoan women and their communities at the service, legal, and educational levels. The article argues that further research is required to ascertain the nature of domestic violence for Samoan women in New Zealand and more work with Samoan communities is required to determine the nature of service provision. It further argues the need for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence as well as an understanding of the unique dynamics of Samoan culture. Figure, references, bibliography