 Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director, ASADSV
Welcome to 2021! Like many of us, at the beginning of December I take stock, assess what worked, and what needs to change for the coming year. 2020 has been grueling, often challenging, and I for one am happy to welcome 2021. This new year I feel there is hope in the work we do as the recognized American Samoa Dual Coalition (focusing on both domestic violence and sexual violence). The Alliance is funded by two federal grants. The scope of the anti-sexual violence/anti-domestic violence coalition was made with room to grow, understanding that creating collaborative efforts must be focused on the requisites of the community. It is important to remember that not one shoe fits every Coalition. In American Samoa the Fa’aSamoa plays an integral role in the village setting, family setting, religion, as well as political positions (i.e. Samoan Senators who are matai’s voted by their village). Over the past few years, the Alliance has held listening sessions (Talanoa Tables) asking the community the lens in which they see violence, and how does the Fa’aSamoa impact our response to violence. We have asked victims of domestic and sexual violence to share their stories on the local services provided. Providers were asked to share their knowledge and awareness regarding available services for victims of violence. We continue to ask the community to provide their feedback, and that has helped to tailor the education, messages used to promote awareness in American Samoa about violence. The hope is to decrease the tolerance of violence in our community. In 2021, the Alliance will continue to hold Talanoa Sessions, gaining from the community their knowledge, and beliefs about violence to ensure our messages are culturally appropriate. We will continue to work together with our partners through our Sexual Assault Response Team/Community Coordinated Response Meetings that are held monthly. These meeting support the work of local advocates providing direct services, statewide policy makers, and federal response to eliminate the challenges and improve the response to violence against women in our community. In the time of Covid-19 we will continue to increase virtual meetings to meet the local government requirements of social distancing. There will be more podcasts to share the work of other service providers, or advocates in our community, even to include those from off island. Each month we will increase awareness of the impact of violence through our Tusitala Newsletter, while featuring the work we do in the community. We will continue to increase partnerships and collaboration, with service providers and advocates through supportive efforts to improve the lives of victims of domestic and sexual violence. Although 2020 was a difficult year, the Alliance Team welcomes 2021 with a heart of hope. Please join us, by being an active participant with the Alliance. Follow us as we communicate our calendar of events, learn more about our Talanoa Sessions, and share your insights. Remember it takes a village to make a change. Join us in 2021!!
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