Alliance Hosts Inaugural Virtual Proclamation Signing Event To Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month

aWritten by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
Every year the Alliance sends proclamation during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to the Governor's Office for approval to honor victims who have died as a result of domestic violence, victims who have survived domestic violence, and individuals as well as organizations who support victims of domestic violence. This year, due to COVID-19 and the pandemic Judy Matau'tia, Alliance Program Manager developed our first ever Virtual Proclamation Signing Ceremony. Several partners from Department of Human Social Services, Department of Education, Back On Track, Mana Health, Intersections, Representative Uifa'atali Aumua Amata and several others were in attendance.  Governor HC Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga was unable to attend, but in his stead Lt Governor Talauega Eleasalo Va'alele Ale represented Governor Mauga.
 
Alliance Executive Director Jennifer Tofaeono began the event sharing the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She talked about the early beginnings when the Government passed the law recognizing the month.  “This month is to honor those who have passed because of domestic violence” stated Ms. Tofaeono, “celebrate those who are survivors of domestic violence and advocates who help victims of domestic violence.  The next speaker was Lt. Governor Talauega, “One of the biggest tools that we have to fight social issues, such as domestic violence, is the power of human connection, which is why awareness days are so important…to show our solidarity and support for different causes,” stated Lt Governor Talauega.   He recognized the presence of domestic violence in every community, and the need to develop initiatives to educate community about healthy approaches.  Communities need to speak out about violence, as we all have a role to play to develop safer communities. He asked for everyone to speak out against domestic violence and support our local efforts. The Lt Governor recognized the newly formed American Samoa Advisory Council on domestic and family violence. 
 
The proclamation was read in Samoan by Gary Tipa, from Intersections, and Wendy Lotolei from Department of Education shared the English version. At the end of the ceremony the Lt Governor signed the document, and shared the new members of the American Samoa Advisory Council on Domestic & Family Violence: (1) Dr. Julia Foifua, Drug & Alcohol Program Director, Health Department, (2) Scott Hess, Executive Director of the American Samoa Legal Aid, (3) Paulia Pa’o-Pelenato, Assistant Director of the Department of Human and Social Services, Children and Family Services Division (4) Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence (5) Farrah Sefo, Victim’s Advocate at the Department of Legal Affairs.
 
Please join us during the month of October to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  If you would like to watch the virtual event, please visit our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=399507758428120