A framework approach to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault in American Samoa

 thatWritten by:  Jennifer Tofaeono 
Domestic violence and sexual assault are pervasive and challenging social issues in American Samoa.  Both Domestic violence and sexual assault have tremendous impact on both victims, as well as family members.  It creates devastating physical, emotional, psychological, and economic consequences for victims. Two out of every three Pacific Island women have been faced with domestic violence, and sexual assault stories litter our Samoan Newspaper every month.  We know domestic violence and sexual assault exist in our workplace, in our schools, in our community, and in our family.   
                Over the past two years the Board of Directors, and staff of the Alliance have developed a strategic plan that creates the framework in which we do our work.  Our strategic plan provides a roadmap to connect how we think about a problem, and the activities.  Our methods are supported by our activities and practices involved to address the problem.  We evaluate our outcomes to ensure they meet our desired goals.  The pieces of a strategic plan, including activities, and outcomes is the way we communicate and define what we do, and why we do it.  Every community engagement, every webinar, every podcast, every newsletter is designed to meet our strategic plan.  This framework creates accountability.  The mission of the Alliance is to empower individuals, and communities in American Samoa through collaboration, promoting resiliency, and strengthening capacity to eliminate Domestic and Sexual Violence.
                We realize that we cannot do this alone.  Our organization is reliant on our partnerships, and the alliances we form.  Over the next few months, we will be highlighting member organizations who carry the load of the work to fight domestic violence and sexual assault.  It is their hearts to help make a change in our community, as well as lend a helping hand that creates change.  We will ask them about their challenges, as well as the successes of working in our community.  This month we will highlight Mana Support Services, led, and founded by Elizabeth “Liz” Mailo.  Please join us every month to learn or hear more about the challenges our community advocates face, as well as their successes.