(photo from: https://www.humanium.org/en/samoa/)  Written by:  PROVISION Media
You’ve heard about relationship red flags, but what about pink flags?  Pink flags could be the precursor to red flags and could begin with an unkind word, hints of jealousy, the occasional angry outburst, followed up by loving apologies.  Parents of someone who is being abused by their partner don’t always bear witness to these events, like many others.  But, some signs of domestic violence could include your child spending an increased amount of time with their partner while abandoning their personal interests, which could signify they are losing their individuality.  One example could be if your child always bends to the whims of their partner, it could indicate they’re trying to avoid conflict.  But what if they genuinely care for their partner and are looking out for them.  Pink flags could be hard to recognize.  
 
The good news is that parents can talk to their children about domestic violence even before it becomes a concern and talk about pink flags.  It’s important to start the dialogue early on, so they feel comfortable talking about it, so if it becomes an issue, they feel safe.  Anisha Patel-Dunn, DO, Chief Medical Officer at Life Stance Health says, “Anytime parents notice a sudden change in their child’s attitude or behavior, I recommend finding a safe place and time to talk.”  If you are concerned, have a private conversation with your child.  “But avoid communicating through phone or email, abusers could monitor electronic communication,” says Patel-Dunn.
 
If you’re unsure how to begin, Dr. Bethany Cook, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, advises asking general questions like, “Are you happy?” or “Does this person inspire you to be a better version of yourself?” before sharing specific changes you’ve noticed in their behavior.  “Ask if they’ve noticed the changes as well.  Ask them if they like the changes.”  Try to remain calm and avoid accusations.  “Give objective feedback.  Maybe they haven’t noticed changes in behavior,” she says.  
 
If you’ve discovered that your child has been the victim of domestic violence, you may feel as though you’re partially to blame because you didn’t see the signs, however, experts agree that this couldn’t be further from the truth.  “I want to reiterate that domestic violence is never the victim’s fault or the victim’s family and that it can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation,” says Patel-Dunn.  It’s a common tactic for abusers to claim that the fault lies with the victim, but that is so they can continue the emotional abuse and shame their victims.”  
 
While no parent can prevent their child from experiencing an abusive relationship, recognizing signs and getting them help can possibly save their life.  If you suspect any type of abuse, there are resources available.  If you need help immediately, please contact 911, or LBJ at 633-1222.  For further information on resources please press here.  

 Written by:  Eleanor Leituposa, Media 
January is Human Trafficking Awareness month.  The purpose is to raise
 Awareness that it is a business practice based on stealing people’s freedoms for profit.  Traffickers use tricks to defraud or physically force victims to sell their bodies for sex.  Victims can be told various lies, assaulted, threatened, or manipulated to move to unsafe spaces.  Human Trafficking is a serious crime that can destroy a victim’s dignity, and fundamental rights.  Traffickers will use criminal exploitation of vulnerable people because victims are described as poor, have limited English proficiency, are transgender youth, or domestic caregivers and they are vulnerable. 
 
It is important to note, American Samoa is not unaffected by human trafficking.  There are reports where young women from Samoa are brought to American Samoa for domestic chores and can be subjected to sex trafficking.  In 2007, five (5) Chinese national were jailed for trafficking Chinese women into the country to work as prostitutes in bars and nightclubs. 
In January 2010 it was alleged trafficking victims came into the territory without necessary immigration checks.  Human Trafficking happens here in the territory. 
 
Please be aware that human trafficking promotes sexual assault, and it is important to become informed to spot the signs of trafficking.  Here are indicators of human trafficking: Individuals living with their employer, living within poor conditions (i.e. multiple people in cramped space, no bathrooms, no running water, no electricity, etc), they are not allowed to speak to anyone, and employer is holding identity documents.  Additional signs can be signs of physical abuse, they are unpaid or paid very little, and can be under 18. 
 
Now is the time to educate about human trafficking and discover the signs of trafficking. These messages should be shared in our workplaces, our churches, our schools, our representatives, and everywhere else.
Photo retrieved from:  ​https://pixabay.com/photos/prison-prisoner-slavery-162885/

Ask the Expert:  “I get nervous when I have to prepare a speech.  What pointers would you give me to write a great speech?”
There are many different approaches to writing a good speech.  Some people focus on establishing eye contact with the audience, others talk about your physical presence, for example are you dressed appropriately, or do you have good posture.  Some talks require 3-5 minute speech, or  TED Talks they require 18 minutes.  Ask “How much time do I have?”, “Who will be attending?”, “Is there anything specific you would like for me to focus on?”, “What is it that you would like for the audience to walk away with?”
I learned the WIIFM principle (What’s in it for me?) from William B. Cole, a speaker, trainer, and consultant. He stated, “People are really only interested in material that affects them…it doesn’t matter how brilliant the speech, apply WIIFM principle and judge if your audience will care about it and use it.” Identify your WIIFM principle before you start to write.  Do research and then choose something that’s of personal interest to you.  The more personal the story, the better you are to motivate the audience.  Remember that stories do matter, and when you are authentic and vulnerable, your audience will trust you.  Your struggles, your wins or challenges may be personal, but may speakers find a lot of power in sharing their story.  Share the stories of your own life and career that shaped you and led you to that moment of sharing. Lastly, remember people take mental notes or written notes during a speech.  Identify the main notes you want them to take away—no more than three.  Use those three points to reflect the answers to the first actions listed above. 
It also helps to practice, practice, practice!  Be thoughtful, honest and share your stories.  When you are the audience will carry you with them.  Good luck on your next speech!

​For the last three years the Alliance Board of Directors and Staff have gathered annually to share historical context and review the strategic plan.  The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way we meet.  Yet even with these challenges, the Alliance team and Board of Directors recognize the importance of meeting operational goals.  Studies show 67 percent of companies do not meet their strategic goals.  Some reasons why poor goal setting can be resources and clarity of goal setting is poor.  When goals and staff are in conflict this can cause lack of alignment, not knowing who does what. The inability to report progress or show results can weigh staff from reaching their full potential.  If your employees are not connected to the strategy this may limit their ability in supporting organizational strategic goals. 
   This past week the Alliance held a three-day staff training to empower team members.  Each day started with wellness and centering activities to help promote resilience, such as digital story telling.  Staff discussions centered on the historical context and role of the Alliance within the community—allowing for the staff to identify supporting roles, emergent roles to understand their distinct parts.  We used an outside consulting firm, to guide discussions about our strategic plan—developing conversations on what is currently working, changes to be made, and Board reporting. 
After three days of meeting the team was able to recognize critical roles in the organization.  Staff were able to identify the potential in their ability to create winning strategies to support the work of the Alliance.  The past weeks discussion will be to inform the Board of challenges and successes.  These discussions will help to strengthen, implement, and guide the work of the Alliance for the next three years.  

​Written by: Kathy Fitisone, Alliance Staff
       There’s a magical feeling about the holiday season and we get all warm and cozy just thinking about it.  We can’t wait to have friends and family over and we anticipate the wonderful reception of all the places we will visit.  Our trains of thoughts travel at warp speeds as we envision all the decorations, fun, laughter, food, parties, singing, gift giving and receiving that will soon be upon us.  It’s a time of happy families and joyous occasions.
       For many of us, but not all. 
There are many people out there who do not or cannot experience the festiveness of holidays due to Domestic Violence and or Sexual Assault (DVSA) or past trauma associated with the societal illness.  For those who dedicate their lives to advocating for victims of domestic violence the season takes a heavy toll on them.  On one hand they want to be celebrating, on the other hand they realize the people they serve are very vulnerable at this time.  How can you help lessen the stress of DVSA advocates during the holiday season? By being aware of subtle signs and by knowing what to do during abusive situations.
        If something seems off with someone or their demeanor and actions are troubling you, you may be able to find time to speak to them alone.  Please be supportive and not judgmental.  Ask if they are ok and if they need help with anything.  Do not get upset if they do not respond, sometimes just being there for them and listening to them might be what the victim needs to break away from the violence.
        You may be the person to approach the abuser because he or she looks up to you or will listen to you.  You want to get across that his/her behavior is not acceptable and that services to help correct his/her behavior are available.
     It is important to know that the relationship of the victim and abuser is dominated by power and control of the abuser.  So, you want to approach situations in a way that will not cause additional harm to the victim.  But it is crucial that if you see something, you should say something, you should do something.  Remember that not all relationships are worth saving.  Also remember that if the situation has escalated beyond your control, the right thing to do would be to involve the proper authorities.
        For those who are recovering, holidays may trigger traumatic experiences.  As an advocate, be there for them.  Find out what would make their holidays lighter for them.  Maybe they only want to go to small gatherings, maybe they want to be at places that are filled with family and friends.  Grab a cup of coffee or watch a movie.  Be a positive reinforcement for them with your words and actions.
      We hope you find joy, strength, and purpose in being an advocate during this holiday season.  We hope you continue to advocate after the holidays for those who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.  We hope one day we will no longer have victims nor the need for victim advocates and we can all simply enjoy the beauty of the holidays.

Written by: Kathy Fitisone, Asst. Office Mgr.
​Given today’s multimedia technologies and the Internet that can give us access to anything from ancient history to breaking news, we are almost guaranteed a “world at your fingertips” lifestyle.  As advocates, as stewards, and as educators, having access to multimedia is a vital part of our daily work here at the American Samoa Alliance against Domestic and Sexual Violence. 
 
We have several different social media platforms in place including the ever-popular FaceBook, Instagram and YouTube.  We maintain an active website with high quality resources and publications.  We produce a monthly newsletter providing great insight and valuable information, it also serves to highlight past, current, and future events of the Alliance.  In the multimedia realm, we offer access to numerous podcasts, webinars, video conferences, and pre-recorded events.  We are also proud to say that we were the first organization in American Samoa to host a live, fully-virtual proclamation signing for the opening of this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
 
We work tediously to incorporate our Mission and Vision in to our social media and multimedia platforms.  Our projects and programs are planned well in advance so that we can roll out our media campaigns.  The campaigns include creating slogans, promoting activities, and highlighting events throughout a project period. 
 
For example, based on input from several different sects of the community, it was noted that often times in response to violence, people are quick to say “that’s just how we are” or “it’s part of the fa’asamoa” and so we were determined to “Reform the Norm” to educate people that violence has no room in us as people or within our beautiful culture.  We promoted #reformthenorm with our Youth Summit as well as DVAM events.  
 
We recently partnered with several agencies, Government departments, and organizations to promote our DVAM activities.  It was an awesome partnership that pushed a Purple Thursday campaign of wearing purple on Thursdays in support of Domestic Violence Awareness.  If one were to look at the pictures on our FaceBook page, we had tremendous support from our schools, the business community, and the faith-based community as well.
 
Some may ask if this is media overload.  The answer is NO!   The more people are given access to positive, constructive information the more opportunity we have to change mindsets.  The sayings “See something, say something” and “Silence Hides Violence” need constant presence in a space that is accessible and all over the world to both victims and perpetrators, to those who stand by and those who stand up and stand out. 
 
Some may ask if having that large of a social media and multimedia presence is really that important?  The answer is YES!  Why?  Because it allows us to continue the dialogue.  It allows us to share info through a cultural lens.  It allows us to bring about awareness of current community attitudes.  Our media presence pushes social norms and stresses the call to action and social change. 
 
So, with the world at your fingertips we encourage you to browse all we have to offer on the World Wide Web.  Follow us and like what we have to offer.  We encourage you to broaden our community by joining us, sharing our pages and posts, disseminating our information and resources, and getting involved in changing community attitudes in order to reduce domestic violence.  Above all stay connected, continue the dialogue and comment, we are listening!

Written by:  ProVision;
Photo Retrieved from:  https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/domestic-violence
​We read and hear of stories of young girls being molested by people in their own homes, at school, in the church, and the community.  It is evident that living on an island, our women and young girls need to be educated that not everyone can be trusted.   They are told to not tell anyone what is happening or there will be consequences for them or their loved ones.  Some girls have watched as their mothers are being physically, verbally, or emotionally abused and think it’s normal. As a community we have “normalized” these actions of abuse and accepted them as normal.  We are told that it is our fault we are abused.  Our abusers tell us, “If you listened to me, I wouldn’t have beat you,” or “If you would have just stopped yelling at me, I wouldn’t have hit you.” This mindset must be broken for the cycle of domestic violence to change.  People need to realize the power and control wheel that is used by abusers.  They use isolation as a form to keep family members apart.  They use financial control to ensure that victims cannot leave.  Abusers will also tell victims they are not worthy, and no one will ever love them, which is why they stay.  It is not only physical abuse.   This mindset must be broken.  If you know someone who is abused, or suspect is being abused, here are some things you can do. 

1. Listen to them and believe them when they come to you.  Once they share with you that is the first step of breaking the cycle of abuse.  Give them a safe space to speak and be heard.  Remember to not pass judgment on the victim, don’t say things like, “why didn’t you leave?” But, tell them, “I hear you and I believe you.”
2. Get them in contact with available resources to begin healing.  Services for survivors are an important step.  Give them information on shelters, hotlines, and any counseling available to support them.
3. Don’t say phrases like, “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys”.  That blurs the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on the victim and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they’ve committed.  When it comes to consent, there are no blurred lines.  No means No!
4. There are many forms of abuse and all of them have physical and emotional effects on individuals.  If someone comes to you or you are concerned for someone who could be experiencing abuse, help them find safety and support.  Start a conversation with them and listen.  Violence against women is a human rights violation that’s been around for generations.  We can’t be silent anymore and need to help them be heard.
5. Violence can take place in many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and public spaces.  Take a stand by calling it when you see it:  cat-calling, inappropriate comments, and sexist jokes are not okay.  Create a safe environment for everyone by challenging your peers to speak up when someone crosses the line and always listen to survivors and be sure they have the support needed.

 
Every year, the 16 days of Activism campaign calls for united, global action to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Please follow the Alliance Facebook Page to learn more.  It starts on November 25 through December 10.  You can be the change to make a difference in your community!

Written by Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director ASADSV
Domestic violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has come to an end.  Our office, American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence and our partners work every month to increase awareness while working towards creating healthy families.   We gather as individuals and organizations to help raise knowledge of issues and support domestic violence victims and survivors.  For the past several months the newspaper has been beset with stories of domestic violence.  Someone stated, “I don’t like reading those stories, I wish they wouldn’t share them.”  Instead, I pose the following question, “What would American Samoa families look like if there was no domestic violence?”
There would be no more stories of abusers who beat victims with pipes or punch the victim in their face in the presence of their young children. These children would not have post-traumatic stress.   Abusers would not state, “they took drugs to become strong and untouchable by the victim as they planned murder”.   We would not read the heinous ways victims were killed by their abusers - strangulation, severe beatings, stab wounds and/or set to fire.  There would not be an increased use of victim services if we did not have domestic violence.   
Domestic violence excessively affects women as victims.   If there was no domestic violence in Samoa, two of every three women in Samoa who have been or are being abused by intimate partner violence would cease to exist.  Those same women would not have to report either physical or sexual violence.  If there was no domestic violence in American Samoa, women would not be 85% of all domestic violence victims.  Victims would not be beaten, stalked, or murdered.  There would be no need for domestic violence hotlines, shelters, and emergency room visits. Victims of violence would not carry shame and the secret of abuse, making them stay away from their support systems.  We would have healthier families.
We share stories of domestic violence, but victims continue to suffer in silence in a way that takes your breath away.  The growth of substance abuse on our island will cause a heightened reporting of domestic and/or family violence in our community.  Nearly 80% of domestic violence crimes are related to the use of drugs[1].  The increased usage of drugs can cause irrational, violent or controlling behavior within a relationship. If the abuse continues, the risk of domestic violence increases, as the drug addiction and abuse will worsen over time. 
I know that we have a long path before us.  Eradicating violence is no easy feat.  For it to change the way we view violence in our homes, and families MUST CHANGE.  We can do this by breaking the cycle that keeps us silent.  Share our stories because we learn from each other.  We can make a difference, one person at a time.  We can demand for new services in our community that can help to battle substance abuse to lessen violence.  We can come together in our homes and learn that abusers wield power and control as weapons of mass destruction for families, and there are ways we can make a difference.  We can learn about safety tips that will help us to stay protected from abusers.  To learn more follow us on Facebook, call our office for more information, contact DHSS for assistance as victims of violence. 
Looking forward to an American Samoa with healthier families.  Join us!


[1] Addiction & Violence (2021) website:  Addiction center retrieved: https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/domestic-violence/

Written by: Kathy Fitisone, Asst Office Mgr
​Fa’asao, fa’alalelei, ua malie, ua malie o.  This is the chant of the women that cries through the village as mats are put on display.  The end result is beautiful culmination of months (sometimes even years) of weaving sessions.  The skillful weavers are able to produce a wide variety of mats – there are mats for sleeping, there are mats for everyday use, there are mats for babies and mats reserved for dignitaries.  There are mats used only for displays and decorations and there are mats used at the end of one’s life.  Then there is the ‘ie’toga, the fine delicate woven art of our people that is such an intricate part of our Samoan culture.  These artifacts are meant to be durable; they have been and continue to be passed down from generations to generations – weaving stories of our lives, culture, and legacies.
The process of weaving these fala usually includes a group of women who work closely together in a fale lalaga.  Often times the women work on individual or paired projects, but they find strength in numbers.  There is singing, laughing, and “talking story”.  There is praying, crying, teaching and learning.  Knowledge is woven among the women, passing through the hands of the elder women to the younger generations, passing back and forth, back and forth.  They spend days weaving culture, customs, advice.  They share, they correct, they direct, they empower.  Even though there is pressure to produce, the overall atmosphere is one of peace and encouragement.  All members of the fale lalaga become this cohesive group, a well-oiled machine that has a collective task at hand: to produce the fala that will go on to serve our people in various ways for many years to come.
Despite your knowledge of weaving or lack of, as women, we can take away so much from this process.  We need to come together as women to weave spaces of love and understanding.  We need to be collective in our approach towards the elimination of violence against women.  We need to be promoters of peace and empowerment and encouragement.  We need to weave awareness of gender equality and the rights of women and girls within our families, villages, our island, and throughout the world.
It is only when we work together as members of our fale lalaga, that we can achieve total elimination of violence against women.  What a sight to behold, a fine mat so fine, and so beautiful, with a legacy that will last lifetimes – Fa’asao. Fa’alalelei!

Written by:  Judy Matau'tia, ASADSV Training Coordinator
Ua faaalia se tele o le numera oi latou ua aafia I sauaga, e toe tuuaia e latou lava latou I le mafuaaga o sauaga e tutupu ia latou. Ua latou talia sauaga ‘o se vaega masani o le olaga faitoalua’, le taua I le fomai le mafuaaga na mafua ai ona faamanualia le tino, musu e saili se fesoasoani pea sauaina ona o le maasiasi po’o le sailia foi o se fesoasoani mai nao Se sui o le aiga ae leo auaunaga faapitoa mai ofisa ma faalapotopotoga e maua ai auaunaga. Mai nisi sailiiliga o lo o taua mai e nisi ua sauaina le mafuaaga autu e mafua ai ona sauaina faaletino I latou e o latou paaga, ma e mafua mai I faafitauli faaleaiga ma le latou le usitai. O nisi e faapea mai e mafua ona o le faasuaava o le e faia sauaga, ma nisi na fai mai, e leai se mafuaaga faapitoa mo le sauaina. E tele ona leai nisi e faapea mai e mafua sauaga ona o le le mafai ona pulea ma taofiofia o le ita. E foliga mai e faapea le tele o I latou ua sauaina, e iai se alaga tatau o le sauaina oi latou, ma ona a’afiaga, lea ua fai alofaga ai mo sauaga ia e faia e o latou paaga. E manino lava afai e talitonu alii o manatu ma mafaufauga o tamaitai o sauaga o se vaega masani o le olaga faaipoipo, pe e lagona foi e alii le tauamiotonuina o latou I le sauaina o latou paaga I nisi o taimi ona e talitonu tamaitai o le mea e tatau, ona faatupulaia ai lava lea o le saua o alii.
Ua fefaasoa’ai manatu ma lagona o tamaitai I le iai o le mafuaaga tatau I alii e sauaina ai o latou ava. E aofia ai pea le lelei ona faia o galuega o le vaaiga lelei o le fale ma le aiga, pe a le usitai le ava I lana tane, pe a fesiligia e le ava lana tane e faatatau I uo teine a lana tane, pe a masalomia e le tane e le o faamaoni lana ava, ma afai e le o faamaoni le ava. O le faaaogaina o sauaga e faatonutonu pe pulea ai tu, aga, ma uiga o le ava i nisi o taimi, atonu e fetaui ma talafeagai I le vaaiga ma le talitonuga a nisi, ona e iai le latou manatu, ua alaga tatau ma talafeagai. O le mea moni, o le iai pea o nei ituaiga uiga ma mafaufauga, e faatupulaia ai pea le lagolagoina tele o sauaga o paaga. E le faaitiitia e alii ona faia sauaga pe a latou iloa e iai nisi o tamaitai e talitonu e iai mafuaaga talafeagai e sauaina ai latou. O le musu o se tamaitai e faia faiga faafeusuaiga, o se isi lea mafuaaga ua faapea ai nisi ua talafeagai ai le fasi ma le faaoolima o lona toalua I ai. I se aotelega, e toatele naua’i tamaitai Samoa e faapea o le fasi ma le faaoolima i ai latou, e agatonuina ma e talafeagai, ae 62% o tamaitai Samoa ua feagai ma sauaga faaletino mai se tasi e le’o fai ma paaga, ma 23% o tamaitai Samoa na faataunuuina iai sauaga a’o maua I le ma’I taga.
E tele atu le numera o tamaitai nai lo o alii e faapea e talafeagai le sauaina o latou e alii I nisi o taimi. O nisi o alii o le mafuaaga tele lava e sauaina ai tamaitai, ona o le le faaaloalo I le aiga o lana tane. O nisi e faapea e alaga tatau le sauaina faaletino pe afai ua le faamaoni le ava I le la mafutaga. O nisi mafuaaga e faapea mai ai nisi o alii e tatau ma onomea le sauaina o latou taitoalua, ona o le le usitai I ai latou po’o le tuulafoai o fanau. I se vaaiga faatusatusa I talitonuga ma manatu o le lautele, o lo o manino mai ai o lo o faapea le toatele e iai lava mafuaaga tatau o sauaga. O le mea moni lava, e leai lava ma se mafuaaga po o se alaga tatau lava e tasi e tatau ona sauaina ai se tagata se isi lava tagata, ma o lo o iai tulafono e puipuia ai tatou mai le faaoolima mai o se isi. O sauaga foi e le o se mea e tatau ona fai ma masani, afai sa masani ai, ua tatau nei ona tuua ma taofia ia faiga faasaua. E iai aafiaga o sauaga tatou te le vaaia I le taimi nei po o le taimi e faia ai sauaga, atonu tatou te vaaia manua faaletino, ae tatou te le iloa atu manuaga faalelagona lea e mafai ona aafia ai le tagata I se taimi mamao I luga I lona olaga tuputupu ifo aemaise foi o alo ma fanau pe a latou molimauina sauaga I le va o matua. O le valevale alofa ma le puipuiga o se taulealea o sona tuafafine o se mea taua lea I le olaga o se alii Samoa. Afai o le talitonuga atoa a le taulealea Samoa lona puipuia o lona tuafafine, pe le ono tatau foi la ona puipuia e alii ma tane o latou ava ma taitoalua? Pe le o le ioi mata ea o le tama lona tuafafine?

Written by: Kathy Fitisone, ASADSV Asst Office Mgr

In the Online Oxford Dictionary resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties”.  It is also further defined as “the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape”.  While both definitions are similar in meaning they differ on the timeframe of an expected outcome.  The first definition denotes a sense of immediacy.  While this is great for those who are capable of such a feat, for many of us dealing with myriad of issues attributed to the pandemic, this “quick recovery” is not forthcoming any time soon.

For many of us recovery is a slow, agonizing process.  As cliché as it sounds, at many times it seems to be pushing us along the road of “two steps forward, one step back” with stops, falls, and U-turns along the way.  It’s as if the process requires normalcy – a set, standard, and straight path, because that is what we were used to – but is not easily attainable.  However, if the pandemic has taught us anything, it should be that there is no one definition or standard of normal.  If you feel you are in this group, please know that you are not alone.    
There is no set timeline for you to “spring back into shape”.  What’s more important is that you are aware of the ability to do so.  Being aware and being able means knowing your support systems, knowing your limits, knowing your purpose.  It means setting those goals and dreaming those dreams.  It means celebrating the little victories, and acknowledging the setbacks.  It means it’s ok not to be ok. 
If you are on the path to recovery, no matter how long it has taken you or how far you still feel you have to go, you are doing a great job.  Given everything you have been through, you are a resilient warrior and we are proud of you. 

Spoken on 10/1/2021 Virtual Proclamation Signing Event- Jennfier F. Tofaeono, Executive Director, Am Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence
In 1989 US Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Awareness Month.  This month aims to honor those who have died due to domestic violence not only in American Samoa but across the United States and other US Territories.   
 
Our newspapers are littered with stories of violence, and it would be remiss of me not to mention cases in American Samoa that have been so extreme.   In 2020 the released story of a victims beating was so heinous and grievous it resulted in a community response. After hearing the stories, and witnessing the scars, the community came together to ASK for Justice for the Victim.  The beginning of 2021 was the horrific beating and murder of a young lady who was a mother, daughter, sister, relative and friend. I apologize if the mention of these stories triggers emotions of anger, or sadness for the victims for their family members, and the community.  Today, and for the rest of the month of October we honor victims who lost their lives to domestic violence.
But this month is also a time to celebrate those who have survived Domestic Violence. These are SURVIVORS who have walked through our doors and said, “My spouse or partner beats me, and I need help.” These are victims who have worked with local agencies to obtain health services, receive protection, or counseling to leave dangerous situations. During this month we recognize the stories of those who survived, and are on the pathway to healing.  We celebrate and honor their wins.  
 
 We also celebrate those who stand in unity to help victims.  It is a hard road to travel when you are a victim, AS WELL as an advocate.  As advocates you carry the stories of victims upon your hearts and feel their pain.  You want to help every victim, but realize you're limited in resources, maybe knowledge, and sometimes just purely wiped out.  Our advocates are those who help the victims find healing, and they need to be honored.  We recognize those who have previously worked in battling domestic violence in our community’s and we recognize those who continue the work today.   
 
 During this month I remind the community, domestic violence rears its ugly head in our homes, our relationships, our schools, workspaces, our church communities, and it surrounds us. It is important we strengthen our approach to eliminate violence through education about the tactics used by the perpetrators of violence.  We must gather to provide support for victims, even if you do not understand why they continue to go back.  Abusers use tactics of intimidation, emotional, isolation and many others to keep victims chained to them. I remind you to continue to support any victims that you may know or encounter. 
  
 Today I am grateful for all who are in attendance to witness the virtual signing of the Domestic Violence Proclamation. With a humble heart I say,  Fa’afetai, Fa’afetai tele lava.  As the Executive Director for the American Samoa Alliance, and the representative for our Board of Directors, led by Dr. Julia Foifua as our Chairwoman, Rep Sam Meleisea as our Vice Chair, and the entire Board of Directors,  I would like to offer our thanks to American Samoa Governor, High Chief Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga, and Lt Governor Talauega Eleasalo Va’alele for standing and supporting us with extremely important issue.  I also would like to say a special thank you for our Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata who provides federal support that helps us to fight and combat domestic violence.  Thank you for your voice and support in Washington DC. The Alliance cannot express enough our extreme gratefulness to have you in your space.
 

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Ex Director​ 
The American Samoa Alliance partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Pago Pago West Stake, Church President, Adney Reid, and his two counselors as well as the congregation that hosted Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Sunday, October 3, 2021. 
 
President Robert Toelupe Pago Pago East Stake spoke about the impact of anger on families, and the need for families to learn how to heal for better communication.  Bishop Gary Tipa shared in Samoan the data about domestic violence in American Samoa, showcasing how it impacts our community and families.  Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin-Finau shared the importance of education for families and how it can increase health in families as well create strength.  President Adney Reid talked about the “3 Minds”, where a reasonable mind reacts with facts, and logic, while being focused.  The Emotional Mind leads with fear, anger, and anxiety.  The Intersections is the WISE Mind which teaches us to be mindful and respond wisdom. 
 
For the past two (2) years the Alliance has held a church service at the beginning of Domestic Violence Month because they strongly believe violence against women, inside or outside the home is never justified.  President Adney Reid, shared “Physical violence is NEVER accepted” in the church.  We thank President Reid, and Toelupe who instruct and encourage stake and ward leaders, and members to stop violence for healthier families.  

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
 

(Tusia: Judy Mata’utia)
I le masina ua se’i mavae atu nei o Aukuso, na faatupula’ia ai le talanoaina o le taua o le faaaogaina o le tatou gagana Samoa. I nisi o su’esu’ega o tagata Samoa ua taua ai o le gagana o le auivi o feso’ota’iga a tagata e ala lea i le faaaogaina o upu. I le tatou faaSamoa, o le gagana aemaise o le faaaloalo, o nisi ia o faavae taua o le tatou aganuu e pei ona taua e Fofo Sunia, ‘o le tatou gagana e faavae ai, e fusi ai, e ta’ui ai foi ma teumau ai ana aganuu’(Sunia 2000). E feso’ota’i ai tagata uma e ala i le gagana ma mafai ona faailoa ai manatu, mafaufauga faapea ma lagona, pe mafatia po’o le fiafia foi. O le gagana e faatino ai le aganuu, a leiloa le gagana ua leai se aganuu. Tusia e se tina iloga o Samoa, le afioga i le foma'i ia Aiono Fanaafi Le Tagaloa e faapea ‘A leai se gagana ona po lea o le nuu’(Fanaafi 1996), aua ua leai se iloa, leai se malamalama o le isi i le isi, le faailoa ai manatu ma lagona. O lo’o faamatalaina mai e le tatou gagana auala e tatau ona tatou nonofo faatasi ai o se aiga, ma le faiâ ma isi, o tatou nofoaga ma le si’osi’omaga, ma tatou tapuaiga.   O le tatou gagana tatou te iloa ai o tatou tu ma aga e tatau ona tatou faatinoina i taimi e feagai ai ma fetaia’iga faigata faale-tagata.
Fetalai le afioga i le tama-a-aiga, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, ‘A faaumatia se gagana, e faaumatia foi ma tala faasolopito and suia ai ma faasinomaga o ni tagatanuu. O i’i foi la o lea leiloa ma lilo atu ai i le lumana’i le so’otaga sili a le tuana’i ma le taimi nei’ (Tui Atua, 2008). O le mou atu o se gagana, e mou faatasi atu ai ma pine faamau, talanoaga, ma feagaiga pei o talatu’u na fuafuaina mo augatupulaga o le lumana’i, faatasi ai ma le mou atu o se aganuu. O le gagana a tagatanuu, o le faaolataga lea mo tu ma aga’ifanua o tagatanuu. 
O le tatou gagana e si’itia ma vi’ia ai tagata, ae mafai fo’i ona faato’ilaloina ai nisi i le tatou gagana, e ala lea i le faaaogaina o tatou upu ma tala e faaleaga, faatiga, faamanu’aina, faanoanoa, ma faatauemu ai i nisi. O le tatou gagana ua faatinoina ai misa'aga ma vevesi i totonu o lotoifale, ua talepeina ai mafutaga, ua fetu’u ai foi e matua o latou fanau ona o le toatama’i, ua tatou tu’ua’ia ai foi i latou ua sauaina ae le tu’ua’ia le na faia sauaga, ma ua malepe ma fetaua’i ai faiga malo ma ekalesia eseese. I se isi itu ua tatou sauaina tagata i tatou upu lafo, po’o o sauaga i upu ma tala. 
O se isi itu e taua tele le tatou malamalama lelei i ai, o le malosiaga lea o sauaga, lea e le faagaganaina ai le tagata. O le toatele oi latou ua a’afia i sauaga, e tele ona le fia faatalanoaina tulaga o sauaga ua sauaina ai i latou, aemaise lava sauaga faafeusuaiga. E mafua mai ona a le ma, e fefe le tagata e faailoa mai o ia ua sauaina, ona e faapea o sauaga nei e mataga, pe le talitonuina ia e nisi. E taua le taumafai ina ia ave ese ia faiga po’o tu ma aga masani o le le gagana e faailoa mai sauaga, aua e tumau ma faaauauina ai lava sauaga. 
O se isi itu taua o le tatou gagana o le tatou iloa o faamatalaga e faia ina ia faato’ato’a ma fesoasoani ai i se isi ua a’afia i sauaga. O se fesili po’o se faamatalaga le talafeagai e faia, atonu e mafai ona aveesea ai le fia faasoa mai o le ua a’afia i sauaga aemaise o le faailoa mai o mea na tutupu ia te ia. O nisi fo’i o taimi, atonu o le leai o se tala e faia e mafai ona avea ma to’omaga mo nisi, pau o lea o le tatou auai faatasi ma ia, tusa pe le faaleoina ni manatu. E ui ina taua le iai o le tatou gagana, ae faapea fo’i ona taua o le tatou iloa o le tala e fai faapea ma le taimi e faia ai, aemaise lava pea faia le tatou galuega faale-faufautua po’o le tatou fesoasoani atu i nisi. Mo le tatou galuega faifai pea o le taumafai e taofia sauaga, tatou faaaogaina le tatou gagana tatou te faailoa ai tulaga i sauaga, tatou talanoa i le taua o le puipuiga o tatou aiga ina ia taumamao mai sauaga ona e fai sina ogaoga ma le matuia o ona a’afiaga. Tatou taumafai ina ia faaaogaina le tatou gagana tatou te talanoa ai i ni auala e faatupula’ia ai le tatou malamalama i nei mataupu ma ni auala e puipuia ai tagata uma i totonu o nuu ma afioaga ta’itasi. Tatou taumafai ina ia faaaogaina le tatou gagana tatou te talanoa ai i le fausiaina ma le faaaogaina o upu faaaloalo, migao, aemaise o le alofa tatou te feso’ota’i ai ma faailoa ai o tatou faalogona. Tatou taumafai ina ia faaaogaina le tatou gagana tatou te taofia ai sauaga, ma aveesea ai le pogisa mai totonu o tatou aiga, aua e le mafai ona tatou gafa taulimaina pe galulue aga’i le faatama’ia o sauaga, sei vagana ua tatou faatalanoaina ma fefaasoa’i muamua i nei faafitauli. Aua a leai, ona faatumauina ai lava lea o le po, a’o lea e fai mai ua ao Samoa! 
 

WRitten by:  Tina Tofaeono, PROVISION

September is recognized annually as National Suicide Prevention Month, it’s to help raise awareness and open the dialogue about suicide.  Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.  Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate a more serious issue.  

This month is a time to raise awareness of this taboo subject. In addition to shifting public perception and spreading hope and vital information to people affected by suicide.  Everyone is affected by suicide, not just the victim.  Suicide impacts family and friends long after the loss of a loved one.  

One way to help prevent suicide is to increase access to treatment for depression.  However, identifying depression can be difficult.  Not all people who suffer from depression show signs.  We need to keep our eyes open for not only our youth but also adults.  The mental health of yourself or a loved one can never be taken too seriously.  Whether the issue of a long-term struggle or a crisis weighs you down, allow friends, family, or a counselor to lighten the load by finding support.  There is no shame in seeking help.

In American Samoa, the suicide rate has gone up.  We need to start talking about it to help prevent it.  Unfortunately, our society is not a huge fan of the topic and it’s frowned upon to speak of.  But, until we can extinguish that type of behavior and thinking, we need to do our part.  If you encounter someone speaking about dying or wanting to die, they feel empty, hopeless, or lonely.  They could mention strong feelings of shame, guilt or they are withdrawn and start to give away personal items, they might even post things on social media.  These could be warning signs and should raise a flag for you to reach out to them.  Here are some tips on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts:

ASK: Ask the person if they think about dying or killing themselves.  Don’t hesitate to do this, asking will not put the idea in their head, nor will it make them more likely to attempt suicide.

LISTEN: Start a conversation with the person and listen without judging to show you care.  Create a safe space for them to share their feelings and vent.

STAY: Don’t leave the person alone.  Stay with them or make sure they are in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.

SECURE:  If you suspect the person could be a harm to themselves, take them seriously.  Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

CALL:  Call the  988 Helpline and follow their guidance.  If danger for self-harm seems immediate, call 911.  ​

Author: Media Coordinator, Marilyn Ho Ching
Suicide impacts American Samoan Families. Many of us know someone, such as a friend, family member, or coworker who has been affected by suicide. 

In 2020 Department of Human Social Services Deputy Director Josie Lutali, shared Statistical Yearbook for American Samoa 72 deaths were classified as suicides from 2005 to 2016. There has been an influx of suicides in the last few years among our youth, and it is crucial our community know the warning signs for someone at risk for suicide.

If you know someone who is feeling hopeless, or shows signs of extreme depression, guilt or shame. If the person shares feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness, this may be a sign of depression. If they complain of sleep disturbances, or sleeping too much, or has shown a loss interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities these may be extreme signs. A person who talks about death or suicide more often than before can be a sign of suicidal thoughts. When the individual withdraws from friends, or usual activities, increased alcohol or drug use, and complains of difficulties in sleeping, eating or decrease in self-care, these can be signs of a person who is at risk for suicide.

To help those who you feel may be at risk for being suicidal, use the ACE Model (ASK, CARE, ESCORT). ASK, "are you thinking of killing yourself?" Yes, it can be awkward to ask, but research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way. CARE- Show they matter to you. Listen to them, and engage them without judging. These are actions of caring, and may be just what is needed to help the person feel they are not alone. ESCORT: When someone tells you they are feeling suicidal, support them by connecting them to the nearest helping resources. DO NOT leave them alone. Remove all items that may cause harm.

When we are committed to decreasing the number of suicides on island it is important to gain knowledge and know that suicide is preventable.
Throughout the month of September on our Alliance Facebook page, there will be educational posts and tips will be available and resources that are available in American Samoa for anyone feeling helpless or vulnerable.

written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, MBA, MHSA, Executive Director, ASADSV.   Both Photos from online website. (right retrieved: https://www.nps.gov/npsa/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm
Suicide continues to be a serious problem in American Samoa.  Many local organizations focus on the risk factors of suicidal behavior, but we need to develop protective factors for our youth, such as resilience.  Through resilience our youth can make connections to construct support networks, and the ability to change the tendency to view crises as insurmountable challenges.  We want our youth to nurture a positive of self and their abilities. 
Resilience studies performed over the past 15 years suggest building resilience can help develop additional suicide prevention interventions.  Resilience is the capacity and dynamic process of adaptively overcoming stress and adversity while maintaining normal psychological and physical functioning[1]. For many years we have believed resiliency was a trait kids were born with, but in reality, we now know resilience in kids can be taught and nurtured.  Parents need to invest in our children the importance of resilient thinking and managing emotions to develop their strengths.
As parents we can build the protective factors in our kids.  Increase their coping skills.   Encourage them to stay connected with their support systems during challenging times of stress.  This looks different for everyone, help your child to create safe spaces, to use in moments of high stress.  Using support from mental health care can help our kids to overcome difficult or different challenges. A licensed professional may make a big difference for individuals experiencing suicidal thinking, depression, or other mental health concerns.  Ask directly can help you determine risk for your child.  Ask them if they have thoughts of suicide and means for harm, and do not be afraid to ask.  As you talk to your children you can ask, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?  What have you thought about using to hurt yourself?”  Children support systems state these questions will not put the idea in a child’s mind.  
Attached is a simple emotions activity for kids, “Monstrous Emotions”.  If your child is having monstrous emotions this activity will help them to “tackle the beast”.  You can use story telling with your child to share their feelings and help them to identify different ways to be resilient, being able to bounce back from stressful feelings. 

https://lemonlimeadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Emotional-Monsters.pdf
[1] Sher L. Resilience as a focus of suicide research and prevention. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2019 Aug;140(2):169-180. doi: 10.1111/acps.13059. Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31150102.retried on 08/30/2021 from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31150102/

Written by:  Luana Yosikaha-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME Consultant

In January 2008 the Taliban took control over an Afghan town in the Swat Valley, home to 11-year-old Malala Yousafzai.   As a girl she was no longer allowed to attend school.  In 2012 Malala began publicly speaking against the Taliban on behalf of girls who wanted an education.  In retaliation, a Taliban gunman boarded Malala’s school bus one morning and shot her in the side of her head.  She woke up 10 days later in a hospital in England and spent the next two years continuing her fight for female rights to education on a global scale using the internet.  In 2014 she earned the Nobel Peace Prize, and started Malala’s Fund to fight for education and equality. In 2020 she graduated from Oxford University – triumphant over the Taliban’s attempt to keep her in dark, uneducated submission.
 
The renowned expert in human emotion, psychology professor, Dacher Keltner, of UC Berkeley defines power as the ‘capacity to make a difference in the world’ by focusing on the needs and desires of others through empathy, reciprocity, gratitude, and telling compelling stories or ‘truths.’ (Keltner, 2016[1])
Malala’s story illustrates several sources of power and their negative and positive impacts: fear and violence used by the Taliban to coerce Malala into submission (negative) was not enough to quell her resilience and the power of knowledge (positive).  Additionally, hers is a personal ‘enduring power’. 
Enduring power unites people towards positive change by focusing on others and prioritizing their interests.  Keltner describes the best use of power as that which is in service to others. 
Malala funneled her inner power into social power – the potential for social influence. Social influence is an effect, an actual change in the beliefs, attitudes, behavior, emotions, and values of someone because of the actions of another. For example, in society wealth draws ‘reward’ and ‘referent’ powers on its ability to shape the beliefs of those less wealthy, fame draws its ‘referent’ social power from admiration and envy, while laws are codified ‘legitimate’ sources of power. Today, as a result of social media, those with the power to influence others may not be wealthy, famous, or have a law degree but can grow the social power to influence others.

The person who is the source of influence is commonly known as an influencing agent or in popular media terms – ‘social influencer’. Influencers like Malala have social power with which they influence their viewing, listening, following, and donating target audience.
How do you develop social power?

1. Build charisma
2. Strengthen your communication skills
3. Strengthen your nonverbal communication skills
4. Acquire expertise to support your call to action
5. Build your social network.

 
Power is present in all relationships which is why it must be properly managed and focused to ensure it produces positive impacts that are valued by society. Michel Foucault, a French philosopher and historian, believed that power is a necessary, productive and positive force in society (Gaventa, 1982[1]).  Empathy, giving, gratitude, and sharing authentic experiences can keep the negative powers in check.
1. Empathy—We express empathy when we focus on what other people are feeling. This promotes a sense of connection and trust with others.
2. Giving—Giving, without the expectation of receiving something in return, is a trust builder and a way of providing reward and recognition to others that promotes goodwill.
3. Gratitude—Gratitude is the feeling of appreciation we have for things that are given us:  an experience, a person, an opportunity, or a thing. Expression of gratitude promotes social bonding.
4. Authentic stories —Malala used the power of her story to communicate important truths and unite people in working toward a common goal: education for girls. Stories enhance the interests of others and help us interpret the events going on around us. Stories bring us together and foster the sharing of power.
 
Power is often perceived as attempts at self-interest and exerting dominance over others. But as Malala’s experience demonstrates, you can develop and use power in a way that allows you to influence others to make a positive difference in the world.
 
There are 3 benefits of understanding and cultivating your social power:
1 – to better understand why you’re influenced and whether you want to accept that;
2 – recognize your own sources of power and improve upon these skills to have a positive influence on the world;
3 – to build your leadership skills by developing your own, positive sources of power.
 
So, what do you want your social power to be? And, how will you use it?


 [1] Keltner, D. (2016) The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. NY:Penguin Press.  [2] Gaventa, J. (1982). Power and powerlessness Quiescence and Rebellion in an Appalachian Valley. Champaign:Univ. of IL Press.




[1] Keltner, D. (2016) The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. NY:Penguin Press.

Written by Dr. Victor T. Williams Tofaeono, M.D.
E muamua ona fesili, pe o le a le uiga o lenei mataupu o Sauaga Faalotoifale.  E mafai ona faapea le tali: “I se ulugalii, o le taumafai lea o se tasi e pulea  le ola o lona to’alua.”  O tane e tele ona faia lea tulaga I o latou taitoalua.  O ia sauaga e a’afia ai le fa’ao’olima, o faiga faamalosi I tama’ita’I po’o alii, o le tau faamata’u, o le faifai i faamatalaga ina ia tu’ualalo ai faalagona, faamaasiasiina, ma le tu’uaia faapea ua leaga ai aiga.  E tele mafutaga I vaega eseese o le lotoifale o Samoa ua a’afia I sauaga nei.  O lo’o tutupu sauaga nei I so’o se aiga, e aofia ai aiga e faaletonu le tamaoaiga ma le lima vaivai e o’o atu lava i aiga mautu ma le tagolima o le atunu’u.
O lenei tusitusiga o se taumafaiga e fesoasoani I alii ma tama’ita’I fomai  ao feagai ma su’esu’ega ma togafitia o I latou ua sauaina e o latou toalua po’o uo I sauaga faalotoifale.   Afai e masalomia se tamaitai o loo mafatia I sauaga,  e tatau ona fesili I fesili nei e iloa ai o loo sauaina ia.
  O fesili nei: 
1.      E faapea mai lau paaga o le a fasia oe po o nisi e te alofa iai?
2.      E fasia oe e lau paaga, kiki, tu’I, pe titina?
3.      E tu’ua’ia oe e lau paaga I mea sese uma e tutupu I le lua va?
4.      E faamaina oe I luma o isi tagata?
5.      E iai sau pule I tupe o le lua aiga?
6.      E iai sou leo I tonu uma o le lua aiga?
7.      E pulea e lau paaga lou taimi ma au mea e fai?
8.      E faaleagaina e lau paaga au mea totino?
9.     E faamalosia oe e fai faiga faafeusuaiga e te leo malie ai?
O le tali ioe I se tasi o ia fesili ua faailoa mai ai lona aafia I sauaga faalotoifale.   E faailoa ai fo’I I alii ma tamaitai tausi mai le mana’omia o le latou fesoasoani. 
E taua le iloa e alii ma tama’ita’I fomai, o faailoga vaaia o tagata o lo’o aafia I sauaga faalotoifale.   O le vave ona ripotia ma avatu le fesoasoani I ia tagata, o le vave fo’I lea ona mapu mai I tiga o le tino ma le mafaufau e tupuga mai I sauaga.  O le tele o I latou ua aafia I nei sauaga e le mana’o e iloa e nisi o lo o feagai ma mafatia I latou I sauaga.  O nisi mafuaaga o le maasiasi ina ne’I iloa e tua’oi, aiga, nuu; fefe nei faateleina sauaga pe a ta’u atu I nisi  mea o lo o  tutupu I lona aiga; vaai alofa I lana fanau e le fia motusia ma faataapeapeina lona aiga; musu fo’I ne’I ave e le tamaloa mea tau tupe ma mea tau le aiga pe a tete’a I la’ua.  
O faailoga vaaia nei e iloa ai I latou o loo aafia e tasi I sauaga lotoifale, e aunoa ma le faailoa mai.
 1.  O manuaga I le pa’u soo, maosiosia lima ma vae, po o le gau o ivi o lima ma vae
2. Tiga o le manava (vague abdominal pain)  
​3. Ua  tago tele I le ava malosi (heavy drinking of alcohol)
4. Tele le popole (depression and worry)
5.  Ua musu e alu e vaai le foma’I  pe a ma’I pe lavea
6   O le mumu ma totolia o mata (red and bloodshot eyes)
7   O le manu’a o lima e mafua I le taliina o se ta o ia I se laau po’o se naifi (defensive wounds)
8. Le moe lelei I le po (lack of sleep)
9. Tuai ona alu e togafitia faama’I e mafua mai I faiga faafeusuaiga (late treatment of sexually transmitted disease).
10. Mu o lima ma vae ma isi vaega o le tino (multiple burns)
E le faigofie le galuega a alii ma tamaitai fomai I le su’esu’eina ma togafitia o I latou ua a’afia I sauaga faalotoifale.  E tatau ona faia su’esu’ega e aunoa ma le faaalia o ni uiga pei o le ata aamu pe tauemu I le ua su’esu’eina.  E tatau ona faalogo I mea uma e ta’u mai ma amana’ia tala uma a le ua su’esu’eina.  Aua le faamasino atu ae fai su’esu’ega ma le alofa ma le faamaoni. Ia su’e mae’a le tino ole fafine ina ia maua ma togafitia uma ni manu’a o nana.  Taumafai e saili mea o loo mamafa I le mafaufau ma fuafuaga mo le lumana’I;  ia faamaonia mea leaga uma ua tupu aemaise lava manu’a o le tino ma le mafaufau.  E tatau ona faailoa tulaga e fesoasoani ai i e ua mafatia I nei sauaga, e iai ofisa ma auaunaga eseese o le malo o Amerika Samoa ma faalapotopotoga tumaoti, ma numera o a latou telefoni e mafai ona valaau iai mo se fesoasoani. 
E tatau fo’I ona maua se fesoasoani mo alii po o latou o lo o faia sauaga, ia latou malamalama I le tulafono e molia mo le faia o sauaga lotoifale.  E tatau fo’I ma mana’omia e I latou fautuaga faalemafaufau (psychological counseling) ina ia mafai ona fo’ia o amio o le fasi ava.  E tatau ona faatalanoaina ma sailiili I le pogai lea e mafua ai ona faasaua I tamaitai.  E maua fo’I se fesoasoani pe a talanoa ma foma’I o le mafaufau (psychologist and social workers) aemaise lana faife’au. 
E taua tele le puipuia o tina ma tamaitai faapea ma fanau mo le lumana’I.  E taua le faatalanoa e ulugalii ma aiga o faiga e aloe se mai ai I mafatiaga faaleaiga.   Afai o tupe e mafua ai ona vevesi, e tatau ona taumafai ina ia manino le faaaogaina o tupe a le aiga ma ia le aia tutusa I mea tau seleni.  Afai o le tele o faalavelave, e tatau ona taumafai e fai na o faalavelave e mafai ona fai ae aua le faia le tulaga e tigaina mulimuli ai.  Atonu o nisi nei o mafuaaga e tulai mai ai vevesi I totonu o aiga.  E lelei le malamalama I ia tulaga uma ina ia taumafai e galulue faatasi ile suiga e maua ai le fealofani.
O nai manatu ia e fia fesoasoani atu ai I alii ma tama’ita’I fomai I le galuega faigata o feagai ma I latou ona o le faasauaina o tina ma tamaitai e o latou taitoalua.  Ia manuia outou uma aemaise I latou ua faasauaina I totonu o lotoifale o le atunuu.

Written by:  Terry Tofaeono, PROVISION

In the late 70’s, early 80’s, a punk-rock group donned the name, “The Angry Samoans.”  Ironically, none of the band members are from Samoa and none of them have any Samoan heritage.  When asked why they named their band The Angry Samoans, drummer Billy Vockeroth had this to say:
 
“Somebody thought we should name (the band) ‘angry’ because one time in Carson we had a run-in with some Samoan bouncers. They were really mean. But we’ve never been harassed or anything.”
 
Samoans are known to be good at being bouncers.  We’re also known to be good at playing football, rugby, and being good soldiers in the military.  Basically, one might assume that Samoans are well-built for anything that involves some form of violence.
 
The sad truth is that most Samoans are exposed to violence at an early age, so they’re used to it.  Domestic violence is commonplace in Samoan households and in some ways even considered normal.  Spousal abuse and child abuse (both physical and sexual) run rampant on these islands, and it’s been going on for generations.  Something has to be done to change the narrative within our communities so we don’t continue to see the negative impact that domestic violence has on our people.
 
The impact of domestic violence on Samoan families is overwhelming, and here are just a few examples:
 
1.Negative Stereotype – there’s a reason the name Angry Samoans stuck with a group of non-Samoans in a band.  If you live in the U.S. and know any Samoans, you’ve most likely seen them angry a time or two.  That has led to the negative stereotype that we are angry people.
2.Broken Homes – I mentioned earlier that Samoans make good soldiers.  Many of those soldiers come back from serving in the military with different levels of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and it affects their families.  I would dare to say that most of these soldiers have PTSD even before they leave the islands to join the military.  The violence that happens between parents affects the children in traumatic ways.  As they grow up, they tend to become violent themselves and also turn to ways of numbing their pain, such as drinking alcohol or drugs.
3.Generational Curse – The violence that happens in the home is typically mimicked by the children in the family and passed down from generation to generation, as are the numbing agents used to cope with the pain of domestic violence.  Alcoholism and drug abuse also gets passed to our young people and the use of these agents commonly leads to more anger and abuse, depression, addiction, and sometimes suicide and death.
   
If change is to happen, it has to be an effort by EVERYONE.  We can’t rely solely on the leaders in government or the church leaders.  We can’t just look to our village leaders or family elders.  Everyone has to band together and first recognize that domestic violence is not normal and it’s not the answer if we want to live in peace and harmony.  Once we see that domestic violence is not the answer, then we need to come together as a community to remove it from our culture, one step at a time.  E tasi ae afe means one with the strength of many.  We have to band together to become ONE.  It takes UNITY.