 Written by: Judy Mata'utia, Training Coordinator
E LE A’OAIA E LE MATAPIA LE MANAIA O Fepuari sa faatalanoaina ai sauaga i faiga uo o tupulaga talavou, ma le taua o mafutaga maloloina. O se isi ona vaega taua o le lagolagoina o galuega a faufautua, ma auala e faaleleia atili ai le latou auaunaga mo i latou ua a’afia i sauaga. Peitai o nei aoaoga ma faatalanoaga ua na’o ni faamatalaga, ua na’o ni upu pe a leai ni galuega faatino. O le pito laau a Le Mau o le faataunuuina lea o aoaoga ma le faamoemoe e faaaoga e tagata taitasi. O le faatinoina o mataupu na aoaoina, o le matafaioi lena a le tagata lava ia, pe faaaoga pe leai. O aoaoga nei na’o na folasia i ou luma ma tuu atu i ou autafa mo lou faitalia, pe faaaoga pe leai, aua e le a’oaia e le matapia le manaia, a’o le logo a Masefau tau ina ia lagona pea lona pa’o.
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Research shows a strong link between optimism and longevity. People who are resilient become positive and optimistic. They can regulate their feelings in critical situations to maintain their optimism. Dr. Krystal Evans stated, “Optimism is empowering. It’s the belief that no matter what challenges you face, that you can make a difference.”
Victims of domestic and sexual violence face extreme challenges, to pathway from hurting to healing. Victims ask, “will this pain ever end?”. Advocates can remind victims “the pain you feel will end when the trauma you have experienced is listened to, gently spoken to and holistically healed.” When engaging a victim, you can reduce their sense of helplessness Ensuring victims that it is not their fault, taking construction action (primary control) begins the work to healing. Using optimism advocates can remind victims that there is darkness, but healing can allow for release. Optimism can help to set them free from the pain and restraints of abuse. Tips to provide victims is distraction when thinking negative thoughts. One example wearing an elastic band on their wrist. The victim snaps the band when they begin to have negative thoughts. Victims who “miss” their abuser can use the skill of disputation, where they argue against their thoughts. They can remind themselves of the negative behavior in the relationship like when the abuser put her down, made her feel bad about herself, or made her afraid by smashing things, destroying her property, controlling what she does, who she sees, to help her realize the relationship was built on mistruths. Optimism, like any habit, can be developed with effort and desire for change. Advocates can encourage victims to remember the abuse was not their fault, but more importantly they have the confidence to choose change. to edit. 3/5/2021 Intersections of Gender Equality, Domestic and Sexual Violence & Impact to Change in American SamoaRead Now written by Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
There are certain roles placed on gender, (i.e. male, female, youth, etc), roles that are supported by gender norms that are found within the Samoan community. As Samoans we tend to be patriarchal, often expressed in our family structure. It is the woman’s job to maintain the home and are primary caretaker of the children, whereas men are the primary income providers. The men are key decision makers in the home, and many family Matai’s are men. A Matai is chosen based on loyalty and service to the aiga. He is responsible for the well-being of each member of the aiga. These differences in roles and behaviors can create complex inequalities. It can create empowerment and disadvantages between genders. In patriarchal societies, similar to Samoan’s women can be seen as insubordinate to men, placing them in lower social status (i.e. most villages only allow for men to serve as Matai’s), allowing men control over women. When there are inequalities in gender it increases the acts of violence by men against women. Societies that support the notion men have a right to control women and girls create vulnerability to physical, emotional, and sexual violence by men. Domestic and sexual violence is any behavior whereby the purpose is to gain power and control over a spouse, partner, girl/boyfriend, or intimate family member. Abuse is a learned behavior, and it is not caused by anger, mental problems, drugs or alcohol or other common excuses. The violence is supported by power and control defined by gender roles. Other signs of gender issues are the low levels of women politically represented, although some may say there is an increase of women in Director’s positions within the American Samoa Government, in the aiga setting, they are underrepresented as decision makers. The move to change gender inequality in American Samoa is slow. Gender attitudes and behaviors in our community is deeply rooted. During the next month, the Alliance will host a Webinar to promote education regarding gender equality and inequities. There will be two sessions, one in English and one in Samoan date to be announced. We have developed Public Service Announcements (PSA), which portray two young Samoan men talking about gender roles, please visit our website at: as alliance.co. Follow our Facebook page as increase awareness and education regarding gender equality, and interventions to change violence against women and how to prevent it. For more information, please contact the Alliance via email at: asadsv@gmail.com, or contact Judy Matautia at 699-0272, or email: judym.asadsv@gmail.com |
