Reported by Kathy Fitisone, Alliance Staff   Photo from: https://samoaglobalnews.com/new-orders-prohibit-pregnant-women-from-workplaces/
 
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.  It’s a month that focuses attention on engaging the health sector and service providers in continuing the dialogue and implementing prevention strategies that help promote the prevention of unplanned and often, unwanted pregnancies.  According to the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program of the U.S. Department of Human & Health – Family & Youth Services Bureau the teen birth rate has declined by over 40% in the past decade compared to its highest recordings. (teenpregnancy.acf.hhs.gov) 
 
The 2017 American Samoa Statistical Yearbook also shows a decline in teen pregnancies with no recorded pregnancies of teens under 15 from 2014-2017; and a steady decline in the number of births to teens between 15-19 years old from 2014-2017.  It is important to note that of the 99 births in 2017 to teens in the 15-19 age group, 20% were delivering a 2nd child, and 9% were delivering a 3rd child.
 
While we see an overall decline in teen pregnancy, there is still much to talk about and much to focus on in order to empower our youth to make informed decisions.  These include focus on positive goal setting, the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and focusing on building healthy relationships.
 
The following summarizes the 2022 themes that are being observed by the Office of Population Affairs this May that can be used by organizations, communities, and families to help promote and support adolescent health.
 

• Empower youth with sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Ensuring adolescent health requires equipping youth with the sexual and reproductive health information and services that they and their families need to make healthy decisions.  While the birth rate has dropped teen pregnancies still remain high among youth in foster care and homeless setting.  Nearly 50% of the 20 million STDs/STIs are attributed to the 15-24 year old age group.
 

• Support adolescent mental health and well-being.

Mental health is vital part of overall health!  Young people face a myriad of negative factors such as discrimination, violence, and social and economic inequality that affect their mental health and well-being.  Technology advances have led to an increase in anxiety and depression for many teens,  COVID-19 has compounded these issues with disruption to routines and learning.  Promoting and supporting mental health can help strengthen their resilience.
 

• Encourage physical health and healthy decision-making.

Encourage and assist with the formation of positive habits.  Allow them to take on more responsibility about their physical health including healthy food choices. Support teens with education and skills training on how to navigate the healthcare system.  These positive traits will help mold health behaviors into adulthood.
 

• Sustain equitable, accessible, youth-friendly services.

Healthcare providers should offer welcoming, youth-friendly care and create environments that maintain respect and confidentiality but encourage the involvement of parents and caregivers.
 
There is still so much we can do!  Get involved and use the month of May to promote the well-being of our youth and learn how empowerment of our youth can lead to continual decline in teen pregnancies and the catalyst for healthy teens and young adults.
 Citation:
 Administration for Children & Families, Get Creative for Teen Pregnancy Month May 4, 2022, (https: acg.hhs.gov)
American Samoa 2017 Statistical Yearbook, May 4, 2022, (https://purl.org/spc/digilib/doc/jg78z)
 Office of Population Affairs, National Adolescent Health Month Overview, May 4, 2022, (https://opa.hhs.gov/NAHM#srh)

​As the Alliance staff continues to work remote, it can be difficult to remain connected.  In a study done by Microsoft, it was found working from home can have negative effect on creativity, communication, and teamwork.  The data showed people preferred to communicate via emails or instant messaging versus phone calls or video calls.  Remote work showed a decrease of about 25% less time collaborating with colleagues compared to before COVID-19.            The increased covid-19 restrictions require we make working remote successful, and the Alliance has worked diligently to stay connected.
Resiliency requires staying connected. Every morning at 8:00 am the Alliance has virtual check in.  During this hour we maintain supportive relationships to get through difficult times, particularly when we are feeling overburdened or alone.  During this time, we have each created a focus wheel to help build affirmations, and attract what healthy attributes we want in our lives.
A focus wheel is a mind map.  In the middle of the wheel is a specific end goal, or intention.  It is what you want your life to be.  My current focus wheel statement is, “I am patient”.  I fill my circle with statements to remind me this is true, to fight any resistance my mind may have about my ability that “I am patient.”  The spokes of my wheel I filled, “I can listen”, because when I listen, I display “I am patient”.  Another spoke states, “I have the tools”, which reminds me “I can be patient”.  When you focus on your wheel it is important to break down any negative thoughts and begin to build what intentions you want to manifest.  Work on building aspirations, positive talk every morning as reminders you have the tools necessary to find strength, and healing.  

Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Ex Dir
       American Samoa Alliance Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence is recognized as the federally funded dual coalition for the territory.  The US Government funds State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program to increase collaboration and coordinate organizations on a local and state level to strengthen the response to domestic and sexual violence.   The Alliance continues to support the work of our local service providers, report on societal systems to improve the responses to victims, while working on prevention of violence. 
            Our work is showcased in many ways.  This newsletter informs the community about the impact of violence, resiliency for healing, as well as opportunities to learn.  Tusitala Newsletter reveals “what violence looks like” in our territory, and the work we do to eliminate its harm to our community.   We gather stories through Gap Assessments, talking at our Talanoa Tables, and sometimes by the simple sharing of "lunch".  The stories we have gathered helps to enlighten action, behavior, and beliefs about domestic and sexual violence.  Telling stories helps to connect us.  Our stories tethers our people, our culture, while we discuss the values that we hold that unite us.  Our purpose is to share with our community, service providers, and  off-island partners ways to produce transformation.  The change we seek is to promote learning and encourage healing for our families. 
              Change comes when we ask each other questions about our experiences and beliefs about violence.  This process can be personal, it can be ugly, and it is our ultimate hope it can lead a pathway to provide healing.  Our community is interconnected—we are Aiga (family) that can trace our Gafa (lineage) back many generations, we are interconnected.  As we continue to unpack and understand the repercussions of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence and stalking in American Samoa, many voices will be heard.   When you are asked to share your story, remember you are building trust, your story will be remembered, and any good storyteller knows you can inspire, influence, and teach.  Over the next few months we will share articles about “Story Telling”, as well as host events to develop story telling techniques.  We encourage you to follow us.   
                

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director  Photo downloaded from APAICS website:  https://www.apaics.org/legislative-leaders
​Policy makers use research to determine the needed policies for an organization, or legislation.  They use rationale, identifying the goals set by organization or community, monitor possible effects, and evaluate the outcome. They inform the community or organization about effective policies for positive change, or if change is not needed. For domestic and sexual violence policies in an organization can provide protection and support for employees experiencing domestic and sexual violence and abuse.  Research focusing on evaluation domestic violence and sexual violence interventions provide information on the nature of the cycle of violence and the influence over family and children.  
              American Samoa created the American Samoa Advisory council on domestic and family violence.  The purpose of the advisory council follows the mission of the Alliance to collaborate, promote resiliency and strengthen the capacity to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in American Samoa.  We know the work to eliminate violence in our communities can be done by policy makers.  If you would like to learn what it is to be policy maker, please visit the 2022 Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) National Leadership Academy.  For more information to apply, press here. 

Written by:  PROVISION  Photo retrieved from: https://www.wallpaperflare.com/united-states-wilmington-samoan-tattoo-headshot-adult-wallpaper-ejnfm
The month of May is Elder Abuse Awareness Month.  This month is highlighted to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to give a better understanding of abuse and neglect of the elderly. 
Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is usually carried out by a friend, a trusted family member, or a caregiver.  Studies show that 60% of abusers are family members. Some types of elder abuse are psychological, physical, financial, sexual, abandonment, neglect, and self-neglect.  The most common abuse with the elderly is neglect.  All types of elder abuse can have devastating consequences, including emotional or physical harm and even death.  
Older adults who are abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized, four times likely to go into nursing homes, and three times as likely to pass away.  Abuse can happen in any setting, at home, or in a senior living community.
Sadly, approximately one in 10 Americans over 60 years old have experienced some type of elder abuse.  There is no excuse to abuse anyone.  We need to educate ourselves about the signs of elderly abuse, to protect our loved ones.
Signs of elderly abuse are:
1) Physical abuse; cuts, broken bones, bruises, burns, dislocated joints, head injuries, or sprains
2) Sexual abuse; sexually transmitted diseases or infections, pelvic pain or injuries, and problems walking or sitting.
3) Elder Neglect; dehydration or malnutrition, unclean clothing, lack of food in the home, lack of medical needs, poor hygiene, unpaid bills, untreated infections/injuries, and weight loss.
4) Self-neglect is if they can't dress themselves, maintain basic hygiene, maintain the home, and manage finances.
5) Elder Abandonment; the caregiver may leave the elder at the hospital, nursing home, or senior facility without any formal agreement or with relatives who did not agree to be caregivers.  
6) Emotional abuse; avoiding eye contact, low self-esteem, mood swings, appearing depressed or scared, and isolation from friends and family.
7) Financial abuse is any unauthorized use of seniors' financial resources
Rates of elder abuse have increased since the Covid 19 pandemic.  If you see a pattern of the same or similar injuries, a delay in medical treatment, or poor explanations from the caregivers, seek help.   You can also call 800-392-0210 the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline or contact your local authorities.  If you have questions or need help, call the Alliance at  (684) 699-0272.

Tusia: Judy Mata’utia
 
O le masina o Me i tausaga ta’itasi ua atofaina o se masina e faatupulaia ai le malamalama ma le silafia, faia o faatalanoaga, aemaise o le faatauaina o le tatou soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau.   I tausaga ta’itasi e silia ma le miliona tagata i le lalolagi atoa e feagai ma ma’i o le mafaufau. I tausaga ta’itasi o lo’o feagai pea le toatele ma le faamaasiasiina ma le faalumaina ona o ma’i o le mafaufau, ma i tausaga ta’itasi e tatau ona tatou a’oa’oina le lautele, ma lagolagoina tulafono ma aiaiga mo se manuia o i latou nei ua a’afia i ma’i o le mafaufau, aemaise foi o le lagolagoina o latou aiga. 
I se su’esu’ega na faatinoina i le 2018 e le Matagaluega o Tautua ma Alagamanuia mo Tagata Lautele, a le malo o Amerika Samoa, na mafai ona maua ai nisi o faamaumauga e faatatau i le tulaga o le soifua faale-mafaufau o lo’o i ai o tatou tagata i Amerika Samoa. Mai lea suesuega na maua ai e 91% o tagata matutua e tetee atu i se manatu po’o ni talitonuga faapea a iai se sui o se aiga ua a’afia i tulaga faaletonu o le soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau, o se mataga po’o se luma lea i se aiga. 91% o tagata matutua e le auai i se manatu faapea o le a le mafai ona taua ma faailoa atu e se isi o ia ua iai ni faafitauli tau le soifua faale-mafaufau ona e ma tele. 74% o tagata matutua e le auai I le manatu faapea o I latou ua aafia I faafitauli tau le soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau o ni tagata e faatupulaia sauaga. Peitai e 10% o tagata matutua e auai i le manatu e faatupulaia sauaga e i latou ua iai faaletonu faale-mafaufau. 
O se tasi o talitonuga ma vaaiga o lo o ta'a I tagata Samoa, e taua loa e se isi le soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau, vave lava ona faapea ‘e le leaga so’u ulu’. E iai le manatu a tatou talanoa I le tulaga o tatou mafaufau, ona faapea lea o tatou ua le atoatoa tatou mafaufau, pe ua faaletonu o tatou mafaufau. Ae leai!! O le tatou soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau, e aofia ai o tatou lagona, o tatou mafaufauga, o amioga, aemaise o le tatou soifua manuia lautele. E fesoasoani foi I le tatou taumafaiga e taulimaina mea e tutupu I ai tatou, pei o le atuatuvale ma le popole, o le fesootai atu I isi, ma le faia o tatou filifiliga. E taua tele le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau I laasaga uma o le olaga o le tagata, mai lava I le tamaitiiti, faasolo atu I le talavou seia o’o atu I le matua. O se tasi o vaega taua I le faatumauina pea o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau o le tatou soifua manuia. 
E tatau ona tatou malamalama lelei e ese le soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau, ese le soifua manuia. O le lelei o le soifua manuia a se tasi, e mafai ona fesoasoani lea I le toe maua ma faatumauina pea le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau, ma e ala lea I le faia o se fuafuaga faatino e maua ai le soifua manuia. E eseese uma foi soifua manuia o tagata taitasi, o le mafuaaga foi lea e eseese uma ai fuafuaga faatino, ma o nei fuafuaga faatino e ao ona tusitusia ma faamaumau lelei mo le silafia aemaise o le malamalama oi latou e lagolagoina oe, po’o nisi foi o lo’o tausia oe. I le suesueina o le toe maua o le soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau, e aofia ai ni vaega taua se 4;
1.     Vaega autu o le toe afua; e aofia ai le….
a.     Faamoemoe – e tele ni tulaga ma mafuaaga e tatau ona faatumauina ai pea le tatou faamoemoe, e pei o le soifua umi ma ola I se olaga fiafia ma fua mai au galuega. 
e.     Avea oe ma au lava matafaioi patino – e leai se isi e sili atu lona atamai po’o lona iloa ma malamalama ia te oe, nai lo’o oe lava ia. E te silafia lava e oe le mea e te manaomia, ma e tatau ona e pulea ma faatonutonu o oe lava ia.
i.       Aoaoga – e tele auala e mafai ai lava e le tagata ona aoaoina ia. Saili mea uma e mafai ona tatou maua e faatatau iai tatou lava ia ina ia mafai ona tatou faia ni faaiuga lelei e faatatau io tatou togafitiga, tausiga, galuega, mafutaga, o nofoaga e fia nofo ai, ma ni mea e fia faia I taimi paganoa.
o.  Fautua oe mo oe – avea oe ma fautua malosi mo oe lava ia. Ia e talitonu ia te oe       lava ia, ma iloa au aia tatau, ma ia tausisi ma faaaloalogia ma tausia e isi.
u.  Lagolagoina- ia e fausia ma faatumauina se faiga e lagolago malosi ai oe e nisi pei o aiga, uo, ma I latou e tausia oe.
 
2.     O mea faigaluega o le soifua manuia – ina ia fausia la oe lava FUAFUAGA FAATINO MO LE TOE MAUA O LE SOIFUA MANUIA, amata I le faia o se lisi o mea faigaluega mo le soifua manuia patino lava mo oe. O nei mea faigaluega e mafai ona aofia ai le faamalositino, malolo lelei, faia au fuafuaga faaleaso, o au talitonuga faaleagaga, taumafa paleni, ia atoatoa lelei lau faalogo, ma nisi lava mea e mafai na avea ma au mea faigaluega e te iloa e maua ai e oe le ola fiafia.
 
3.     Fuafuaga faatino mo le toe maua o le soifua manuia – o ni faamaumauga/ faatonuga e pulea e oe lava oe ma ni faiga e ‘toe afua’ mo tagata o lo’o feagai ma tulaga eseese faaletino ma luitau tau I amioga. E mafai ona fesoasoani I tagata e ala I le faaitiitia ai lagona ma amioga o le atuatuvale, faatupulaia le faamalosiauina o oe lava mo oe lava, faaleleia ai le tulaga o le soifua, ausia ai faamoemoega. Manatua e eseese uma fuafuaga faatino mo tagata uma, e filifili e oe lava tulaga uma o lau fuafuaga, ae po o a uma foi mea e aofia ai I totonu.
 
4.     Mataupu e faatatau I le ‘toe maua’- e mafai ona aofia ai le suia o mafaufauga faale-lelei I mafaufauga lelei, o mataupu tau I galuega e iai le amatalia o sau galuega fou, toe foi I galuega, feagai ma tagata faigaluega, ma nisi tulaga o mea tau I galuega, ma le tele o nisi tulaga po’o mataupu foi e mafai ona toe maua ai lou soifua manuia pe afai ua iai ni suiga.
 
O vaega uma nei e tauaofai I le faia o se fuafuaga faatino e maua ai pea le soifua manuia ina ia faatupulaia ai ma tumau ai pea le tatou soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau. Manatua a soifua maloloina le mafaufau, e faapena foi ona lelei le tele o tatou mafaufauga, faaiuga faia, o tatou filifiliga, o tatou tala tatou te gagana mai ai. Aua a tatou le maua I le soifua maloloina faale-mafaufau po o le tatou soifua manuia fo’I, e mafai ona tatou o’o atu ai I nisi tulaga tatou te faia ai sauaga I o tatou aiga po o paaga foi.   
 

•  https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/american_samoa_steps_hybrid_2017-2018-final-report.pdf?sfvrsn=2d828855_1&download=tru
•  Info@MentalHealthRecovery.com- www.WRAPandRecoveryBooks.com

written by:  Judy Matautia, Training Coordinator
‘Ae o a au mea na fai i o, ua mafua ai ….’, ‘ia se’i vaai i ou lavalava na fai, leitioa….’, ‘Ia ua leva le afiafi, sa le tatau ona e i ai i se taimi faapena…’, o faaupuga masani nei ua tele ona tatou tu’ua’i fuaina ai i latou ua sauaina, ma ua pei o le mea fua i a’i tatou le talafo o nei faamatalaga.  O se tulaga matuia tele ma e le tatau ona faia, ma e le fesoasoani foi i ai latou ua a’afia i sauaga.  O le tu’ua’i fuaina oi latou nei, faatusa o lea ua tatou toe faapea atu oi latou e mafua uma ai nei faiga faasolitulafono, lea e toe faataunu’uina ia’i latou lava ia.  E le gata la ina sese o nei faiga, ae e taofia ai foi le toatele o i latou ua sauaina mai le faasoa mai i tulaga o le sauaina oi latou, aemaise ai fo’i, o le a’apa mai mo se fesoasoani. 
 
AISEA!  Aisea tatou te tu’ua’i fuaina ai latou ua sauaina?  Atonu o se isi o mafua’aga o le taumafai o le tagata e faamafanafanaina o ia lava ia e ala lea i le taumamao po o le tutu mamao mai e ua sauaina ma le mea ua tupu, po’o le faapea ua mafua le faafitauli lenei ona ua faia e latou nei ua sauaina ni tulaga nei, ae se manu e le tupu lava se mea faapea ia te ia.  O se iai mafua’aga atonu ia aua nei iai se matafaioi e ono feagai ai ma le ua sauaina, po’o le tu’uai’a le ua sauaina, ma tatou te le tau faamafanafana pe fesoasoani fua i ai.  O le toatele o tatou, e le masani ma e le iloa ona feagai ma ni tulaga faapea, ma o se auala faigofie lea tatou te alo i ai.  O se isi mafua’aga e mafua ai le tu’ua’i fuaina o latou ua sauaina ona o tatou talitonuga ma faavae sese ua tatou ta mau ma masani ai, pei na’o tagata leaga e tutupu ai mea leaga, afai e tupu mai se mea leaga i se tagata o lona uiga o ia o se tagata leaga, ona e leai ni mea leaga e tutupu i tagata amiotonu.  O le faailoga lanu, o ni vaivaiga o se tagata, po o nisi tulaga e eseese ai tagata e mafai ona avea ma tulaga e tu’uaina ai i latou ua sauaina, ae galo atoa ai le solitulafono lea na faatinoina e le tagata solitulafono, ae tu’ua’i atoa mea uma i le e le’i solia le tulafono. 
 
FAATUPULAIAINA!  O nisi o tulaga o lo’o faatupulaia ai le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina e aofia ai tausuaga i faiga faamalosi, faatupu o tala po’o tala fatu i sauaga ma faiga faamalosi, faailoga eseese o itupa, o tatou talitonuga eseese, o tatou tu ma aga masani, o le tatou faavae aemaise o mea ua a’oa’oina ai tatou a’o tatou tuputupu a’e, o le faalumaina o tamaita’i faita’aga po’o le faiamio, ma nisi faiga se tele o lo’o tatou faia.  O le tatou faapea ifo o le mea lava lea na mana’o i ai, ona o le amio, faiga o laei, ma le ituaga olaga o lo’o soifua ai se isi, o nei talitonuga, po o tala fatu, po o faiga sese, o tulaga uma nei e faatupulaia ai sauaga faafeusuaiga.  O nei foi faiga e faamalosia ai le talitonuga a nisi e faapea, e le aia tutusa tagata uma.
 
FAATAITAIGA!  O nisi o faataitaiga o le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina i sauaga faafeusuaiga e tele ona faapea, sa le tatau ona faia la ituaiga lavalava, sa tatau lava ona matua’i faaeteete, sa le tatau ona inu ma onâ, sa tatau na taumafai malosi e tete’e atu, o le mea lava na nofo ma fai, o le mea lava na mana’o i ai, ae aisea e le alu ese ai.  E tele foi nisi faaupuga o lo’o fai ma o tatou masani le lafo i le tula’i mai o tulaga faapea, ma e tele ona tatou leiloa o lo’o tatou tu’ua’ia i latou nei i o tatou faaupuga ma faamatalaga. 
FAIGA MASANI!  O nisi nei o faiga masani e sasao fa’aafi ai le tu’ua’i fuaina o isi, o le faapea lea ua alaga tatau ona tu’ua’i fuaina.  I le fia malosi e mafai ona faapea ai nisi e mafua ona e maaleale le loto o le tagata ua sauaina, sa tatau e le ua sauaina ona toe tali atu i le tagata fia malosi, pe tatau foi ona ia alofia le tagata fia malosi.  O le fia malosi o se tulaga ogaoga e mafai ona faatoilaloina ai faalogona o le isi tagata, aemaise o lea toesea ai ona faalogona o le faatauaina o ia lava.  O le fia malosi e na’o ona faatupulaia ai ma puipuia ai uiga o le tagata lea e fia malosi, ae le faasa’oina ai ona uiga po’o faiga fia malosi.  E le tatau ona faamalosia se isi ina ia aua nei auai atu i le aoga, pe aua nei tafao ma uo ona o le mata’u i le fia malosi o se isi.  Ae tatau ona faasa’o ma faasala le e fiamalosi. 
O se isi faiga masani e mafua mai i le faapea ifo e matitiva.  E tu’ua’ia i latou e lima vaivai i le faapea ifo e tatau ona tu’u le paie ae su’e se galuega, po’o le faapea ifo ana tu’u le faia o fualaau faasaina ai po’o ua iai se seleni, a leo lena ua faapea o tagata matitiva e ola faamoemoe i le malo.  O le mea moni, o le to’atele o tagata e faalelava le faasoa, e galulue faasoloatoa ma e tele ona le agava’a i nisi o polokalame a le malo e pei o pepa o mea taumafa, ma tupe maua fua, ma e ui ina galulue i le tele o taimi e le lava lava le tupe maua mo pili ma isi mea fai e mo’omia e le aiga.  O nisi o taimi ma nofoaga, ona o le faailoga lanu e taofia ai le toatele o nisi mai le maua o ni avanoa faigaluega.  O le faaaogaina o fualaau faasaina ma le ava malosi o se tulaga matuia tele, ma i nisi o taimi e le mafai ona foia pe taofia le tagolima i nei mea e aunoa ma se togafitiga faalefoma’i, ma o nei togafitiga e taugata tele.  E ui na faalagolago le to’atele i polokalame a le malo lea e fesoasoani mo nisi o aiga, ae le faapea e faatapula’aina na’o aiga lima vaivai.  O tulaga faaletonu i nisi o galuega ua mafua ai i nisi tagata sa totogi lelei o latou galuega ona faamoemoe foi i polokalame ia a le malo, ma e leai se tu’uaina o i latou ia i tulaga ua iai. 
O sauaga faalotoifale o se faiga masani e tele ona tu’ua’ia ai i latou ua sauaina e ala lea i le fesili pe aisea e saga nofo umi ai lava ma le tagata saua, a le’o lena ua faapea e faatiga mafaufau ma mafua ai ona sauaina, po’o le tele fo’i o le faasuaava o le tagata saua.  Ia tatou malamalama, o tagata saua e tele na faitogafiti ma e tele na latou faafefeina i latou o lo’o latou sauaina ma fefe ai le ua sauaina e alu ese mai lea nofoaga ne’i atili sauaina ai o ia.  O sauaga o le filifiliga lea e faia e le tagata saua, ua ia filifili e fai.  E iai nisi auala e mafai ona fofo ai se mataupu pei o le talanoa ae le o le faao’olima, ae afai ua masani ma e mana’o le tagata saua e faatino sauaga, na te faia lava.  Pe tagofia le ava ma ua ona, e le’o se mafua’aga lea e sauaina ai se isi. 
O faiga faamalosi ma sauaga faafeusuaiga ua fai ma masani le tu’ua’ia faapea ua tele le faatosina i ona lavalava sa fai, ua tele le ava malosi ma ona, po’o le tele o le faifai amio po’o le tautalaititi, pe faapea foi sa tatau ona tautala ma faailoa mai.  E tofu tagata uma ma lona aia ma lona faitalia e na te faia ai so’o sona laei e aulelei ai, ma pe itiiti pe tele vaega o le tino e aliali mai i lea laei, e le’o se mafua’aga lea e faia ai ni sauaga i lea tagata.  O le inu ma le ova o le ona e le’o se solitulafono, ae o le faamalosi o se solitulafono matuia.  Po’o a lava mea na tutupu i se tagata i le taimi ua te’a po’o le tuana’i, e le’o se mafua’aga lea e faia ai ni faiga saua po’o ni faiga faamalosi i se tagata, ma o i latou ua a’afia i  sauaga faafeusuaiga, e tele na faapele, faafefe, tau faamata’u e le tagata saua ina ia aua nei pisa ma faailoa mai le mea ua tupu, aemaise lava pe afai na sauaina e se sui o lona lava aiga, se uo, po’o se tagata e iai se mafutaga va lalata ma le aiga o le ua sauaina. 
FAAIUGA!  O nisi faaiuga e ono tula’i mai ona o le tu’ua’i fuaina o e ua sauaina, e faatapula’aina ma faafaigata ai ona ripotia o sauaga e i latou ua sauaina.  A iloa e le ua sauaina ua tu’ua’i fuaina ia i le mea na tupu, o lea le toe iai ni lagona o le saogalemu ma e ono le mafai ona talanoa pe faasoa mai.  O le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina e ono faamautinoa ma faasaoina ai faamatalaga a tagata saua ia e tele na fai faapea o le faapogai o mea uma o le tamaita’i lea, po’o le tagata lea ua ia sauaina, ma e le’o se sese po’o se matafaioi a le ua sauaina, le taumafai ina ia foia se faafitauli aemaise mo le e faia sauaga.  O le tatou auai i faiga ma uiga nei o le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina, o le tatou faatagaina lea o le tagata saua e faia pea lana amio lea ma faiga faamalosi ma alofia ai le faasa’oina o ana gaioiga faasolitulafono o lo’o faia.    
A’AFIAGA!  A talitonu se tasi o lo’o tu’ua’i fuaina ia pea faailoa mai sauaga, atonu o le a le ripotia maia lea tulaga.  E mafai ona lagona ai le tu toatasi na’o ia o le ua sauaina, ona e tele ona le amanaiaina mataupu faapenei pe faatalanoaina faalaua’itele.  A iai se mea e le ripotia, e itiiti pe leai foi se avanoa e ono faia ai ni suiga. O se isi a’afiaga e ono tula’i mai, a le faasalaina tagata e faia sauaga e tusa ai ma aga soligatulafono, e faaauauina pea nei faiga saua.  A tupu loa tulaga faapea, o lea fai ma masani le saua aemaise o faiga faamalosi, ma o’o atu ai i se tulaga o lea fai ai mea ula pe ulagia fo’i.  A tu’ua’i fuaina se tagata ua sauaina, e le’o faamalosia le tagata saua e tu’u le saua, ma e avea lea ma mea e faaauau ai pea seia avea ma faiga masani. 
A’AFIAGA FAALUA!  O le faamalosi, e pau lea o le solitulafono e taumafai ai le ua sauaina i sauaga faafeusuaiga ina ia faamaonia lona mama.   O le tu’ua’i fuaina o le ua sauaina, e mafai ona a’afia ai i le tulaga o le a’afiaga faalua.  O le a’afiaga faalua o le toe tu’ua’i fuaina lea o le ua sauaina e latou ia e galulue mo le auaunaga po’o le fesoasoani fo’i ia’i latou ua sauaina.  O amioga nei e faaosofia ai lagona faanoanoa ma le mafatia o le ua sauaina, ao lea e toe faia lava e tagata nei o le latou matafaioi po’o le latou galuega le fesoasoani i tagata ua sauaina. 
 
TAOFIA!  E tele ni auala, peitai o nisi nei o auala e mafai ona tatou fesoasoani e taofia ai nei faiga o le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina.  E mafai ona tatou lagolagoina i latou e ala i le tatou faamautinoa ma faailoa atu i e ua sauaina e le’o ia e sese, ma o sauaga o se filifiliga lea a le tagata saua, ma ua na’o ia e sese i taimi uma e faia ai sauaga.  Ia tatou iloa e sili atu ona malamalama le ua sauaina i le tulaga o lo’o tupu ia te ia, ae tatau ona tatou lagolagoina o ia.  Ia tatou faalogo lelei i tagata pea talanoa mai e faatatau i sauaga ma tatou ofoina atu se fesoasoani pe saili foi se fesoasoani mo i latou ma ia tatou taumafai tatou te faatasi ma le ua sauaina a’o feagai ai ma mafatiaga.  Ia alofia le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina i faasalalauga eseese, ma taumafai ina ia suia o tatou upu ma faamatalaga, suia nei le fesili o le ‘aisea e saga nofo umi ai pea ma le tagata saua?’ i le ‘aisea e faasaua ai lea tagata’.  Ia suia tatou faamatalaga ma le tatou gagana. 
O se isi vaega tele e mafai ona tatou fesoasoani ai i le taofia o le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina, o le tu’ua’ia lea o i latou o lo’o solitulafono e ala i le tatou faasa’o o faamatalaga pea tatou faalogo i ai, lea e tu’ua’i fuaina ai latou ua sauaina, ae le na’o le tu’u ai pea e faia nei faamatalaga sese.  Ia faamasani ona tatou tautatala e tete’e atu i faamatalaga e tu’ua’i fuaina ai se tagata ua sauaina.  Aua ne’i talitonuina faamatalaga a le tagata saua i le mafua’aga e ala ai ona faasaua, aua ne’i taumafai fo’i e tauamiotonuina ana taga, ae ia tu’ua’ia le faasaua i ana soligatulafono; aua nei tu’uina iai se avanoa e faia ai ni alofaga e tu’ua’ia ai le ua ia sauaina , pe tu’ua’i i le ava po’o fualaau faasaina, ia tu’ua’ia lava le faasaua ae leo le na te sauaina. 
I se aotelega o lenei mataupu o le tu’ua’i fuaina o i latou ua sauaina, e tulai mai i tulaga eseese ma atonu o se auala e faigofie mo nisi ua sauaina nisi, peita’i e le’o le tali sa’o ma le moni lea. E leai lava se taimi e sese ai pe tu’ua’ina ai le ua sauaina ma e le tatau foi ona faia pei se tagata solitulafono.  O le iai o le tatou malamalama ma le silafia i le tulaga lenei ma pe aisea ua ta’atele ai, aemaise o le a’afiaga o i latou ua sauaina, e mafai ai ona tatou puipuia ma taofia lea tulaga mai le faatupulaia aemaise o le faaauauina.  A sasa le tamaititi ona faapea lea o le matua, e mafua ona sasa ona o le faalogo gata ma fai se aoaiga, ae a faamalosi se tama’ita’i o lea se tala e fai e agatonuina ai lea faiga?  Ua lavea Foaga e lei fai misa, ua sauaina e aunoa ma se alaga tatau, ma e leai lava se alaga tatau!  Taofi loa sauaga faafeusuaiga, taofi le tu’ua’i fuaina oi latou ua sauaina.

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director, Alliance
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2022 the Alliance encourages our community to develop resilience skills as a response to traumatic experiences, like sexual assault.  The definition of resilience is the ability to recover quickly from complications, or complicated situations.  Sexual assault victims experiences are often traumatic and can cause years of pain.  This can have profound impact on how they engage with others.  It’s important that we remember assault on any level is emotionally charged, distressing and terrifying for victims and their families. Resilience is an important part to healing, and for some victims regaining control of their lives. 
When developing resiliency skills families can encourage each other to address life’s challenges in a positive manner.  By developing positive reactions to life stresses victims begin to become stronger.  It is important to use these skills daily, and not just during difficult situations.  All families can do with little bit of support, as it is necessary to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of the family.  Focusing on eliminating periods of stress is why we need resilience. 
Resilience activities you can use: (1) Reframe your interpretations, remind yourself that you can choose to focus on the positive of every situation. Each morning leave yourself a reminder to remain positive.  To be positive use post it notes to write mantras such as “Keep looking up”, “Positivity wins!”, or “Do good and good will come to you”.  (2) Search for the positivity that surrounds us.  Rather than search for negative information about people, places, or things, look for good news stories to boost your spirit. Limit or eliminate your time on social media.  (3)  Do an act of kindness, and remember positivity exists, sometimes we need to find it.   (4) You must take care of yourself because it’s hard to be positive when you’re tired when you have nothing else to give.  You can take a walk, meditate, or spend time with a friend who makes you laugh.  Reading a good book, or watching a movie that makes you feel calm, or brings a smile to your soul are activities of resilience. 
The success of resiliency is all up to you, and the needs you identify.  You determine what resilience looks like.  Record what works best for you, and practice it, because practice makes perfect!  The journey to wellness and healing can be a long road but remember you do not have to do it alone.  

 Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Ex Director, Alliance
   Traveling off island has become a laborious process. Unfortunately, for victims of domestic violence who chose to leave their abusers, leaving the island adds another layer of difficulty. Victims who feel unsafe as abusers begin to increase their acts of intimidation and violence, have no other decision but to travel off island to relocate.
Vanessa had separated from her husband 6 months earlier with her children.  She had obtained a court protection order (CPO), requiring her abuser to stay away and have no contact with a Protected Person.  Like many other victims, Vanessa’s husband continued to harass and intimidate her.  She reported he would still come to the home.  Initially he would stay outside, but his visits were becoming more frequent.  He would yell profanities, banging on the door while she and her children remained locked inside.  She would call the police and they would remind the perpetrator of the CPO, requiring that he leave the premises.  By the time Vanessa walked into my office, her abuser had broken into her home again, but this time he had a weapon. She was frightened for her life, as well as her children’s, and felt the best decision was to leave American Samoa. 
     There are countless stories where women face huge barriers leaving an abuser.  Many abusers control the finances and women have limited financial assistance when it is time to leave an extremely violent situation.   Other women, like Vanessa, have traveled long distances to escape their abusers, moving to different locations.  Starting May 2022, the Alliance is offering the program, “Malaga mo Sulufaiga” funded by Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) for victims of domestic violence who need assistance for relocation.  The program will offer victim assistance travel funds based on need.   Follow us as we provide more information or contact our office media@asadsv.com.  
Photo: The Alliance does not own the photo, and we do not take credit for the image used.   The photo was retrieved from:  https://www.tanikal.com/en/silhouette-woman-looks-window-flying-airplane/

Written by :  PROVISION Media
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  During this month, people worldwide recognize the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen and equip families to prevent child abuse and neglect.  While there is no simple reason that could explain why adults or parents abuse children, it is crucial that we recognize it's happening and help those involved to get help.  
 
Some components that lead to child abuse are complex and can be mixed with other issues. Causes of child abuse can include, but are not limited to:
 
·         A history of child abuse or neglect during their own upbringing
·         Substance abuse
·         Physical or mental conditions
·         Lack of parenting skills
·         Financial pressures
·         Job worries
·         Lack of or no support from friends or family
·         Medical issues
·         Low self-esteem or feelings of shame  
 
Four types of child abuse are emotional, physical, sexual, and neglect.  Physical abuse is the deliberate intention to inflict physical pain.  It can include hitting, kicking, burning, biting, or any action that results in physical harm to the child.  Emotional abuse involves the abuser yelling, belittling, cursing, verbal threats, or tactics to make them feel threatened, ashamed, or degraded.  Sexual abuse, also known as molestation, is when an adult uses a child for sexual stimulation. It may involve viewing, showing or touching, indecent exposure of private parts, and pornography. Child neglect is depriving a child of their basic needs, such as healthcare, clothing, food, and housing; as well as meeting their physical, emotional, educational, and safety needs.  
 
Protecting children from any abuse is everyone’s responsibility.  If you are unsure how to get involved, remember the three R’s—Recognize, Respond and Refer.  The first R is to RECOGNIZE.  Seeing flags such as unexplained bruises, a change in behavior, poor hygiene, fear of going home, crying, seeking attention, and depression are a few flags to look for. The second R is to RESPOND.  If a child confides in you, remember the child is scared, so be compassionate and respectful.  Validate how they feel, reassure them that you are there to help and that it was not their fault.  Be clear on the next steps and let them know what to expect. This will help them regain a feeling of control.  The third R is to REFER.  Contact your local child protective services agency or the Police to make a report.  If you are still unsure what to do or where to go, call the Alliance at 699-0272 for help.

Oute mua’i tapu’i le tapu o alo ali’i ma ou taia le tu tafa’itoa aua o lea ua ali’itia fanua. Ua tatou feiloa’i i le magafetau soifua i le alofa ma le agalelei o le Atua ma e mua ai la le fa’asao ia manuvao ma momoli lapalapa o malo e sulaina ai le alofa tunoa o le tatou Tapa’au Sili i le lagi. O mamalu ma faigata o lenei aso o le a lē toe o’o i ai se upu auā o lea ua mae’a ona paepaeulufanua e le fofoga o le tatou porokalama. Ae tau ia ina ‘ou pa’i i le vai o le tama ma ‘ou fa’atulou i le tatou fa’atasiga, tulou, tulou, tulou lava. E fa’atalofa atu i le Susuga i le Fa’atonu ia Tofaeono ma lona ofisa mamalu, le atunu’u fa’afofoga tapua’i, aemaise le aofia ua fa’atasi mai i lenei fa’amoemoe. Talofa lava! Malo le soifua manuia ma le lagi e mama i lenei taeao fou o le Alii.
O le fa’asoa i lenei aso e fa’aautu lea i le mataupu ogaoga ua sasao fa’aafi nei, o le Teen Dating Violence/Sauaga i totonu o Faigauo a Tupulaga Talavou. A tatou talanoa i le Teen Dating Violence/Sauaga i totonu o Faigauo a Tupulaga Talavou, ua tatou talanoa i a’afiaga ogaoga o le tino ma le mafaufau e mafua mai i aga a se tagata ua le tau tamali’i, le mafaufau, aemaise o le lē malamalama i le fa’asinomaga o le soifuaga fa’asamoa. Fa’ata’ita’iga: O le fa’ao’o lima o le uo tama i lana uo teine (fasi). O le olaga o Samoa ua uma ona mavaevae ma tu’umatamaga. O lona uiga, e so’o se Samoa moni lava e i ai lona fa’asinomaga e fai ma ta’iala i lona soifuaga.
 O le tasi la o vaega o le fa’asinomaga o le soifua o le tama ma le teine Samoa o le va tapu’ia. O le a le va tapu’ia? O le va tapu’ia o tulaga ia e sa ma tapu ma e lē tatau ona tupu i le va nonofo o tagata. Ae fa’apito augafa se leo i le va tapu’ia i totonu o se faigauo, e pei, o le va nonofo ai o le uo tama ma lana uo teine. I le fa’asamoa e sa ma tapu ona o’o le lima o le tuagane i lona tuafafine ma e fa’apena fo’i le tuafafine i le tuagane. Aisea, auā fo’i o fanau o pelega o aiga ma e puipui malu i ai matua ma aiga. E pei ona pele i le tuagane lona tuafafine, e tatau fo’i ona fa’apena ona pele i le uo tama lana uo teine. O lona uiga, o le va nonofo lea e tatau ona fealoaloa’i - alo mai, alo atu (va fealoa’i).
 E lē toe po mala e i fa’afitauli ua tutupu mai i totonu o si o tatou atunu’u i faigauo a tupulaga talavou. Ua logo tala i le fa’ao’o lima o le uo tama i lana uo teine. O le upu moni, e mafua ona tupu sauaga i totonu o faigauo ona o le lē malamalama o tupulaga talavou i o latou fa’asinomaga ma fa’ataua. Aua ana malamalama i le fa’asinomaga ma fa’ataua le va tapu’ia, e lē tupu le fa’afitauli lea o le teen dating violence/sauaga i totonu o faigauo a tupulaga talavou. Ana malamalama i le fa’asinomaga ma fa’ataua, e iloa tausi le va nonofo i totonu o le faigauo. Tupulaga e, o le va tapu’ia o se tasi lea o vaega taua i le soifuaga fa’aSamoa ma e tatau ona e silafia ma malamalama i ai auā o i tonu lava e maua ai le nofo lelei ma le nofo fealofani. Auā a malamalama i le fa’asinomaga ma le va tapu’ia, e te iloa fo’i fuafua au fa’atinoga ma gaioiga.
Tupulaga, e taua lou taumafai e atina’e se faigauo po’o se mafutaga e soifua maloloina ma lelei (healthy relationship). E fa vaega oute manatu e taua i le atina’eina o se mafutaga/faigauo soifua maloloina ma lelei:
1. Fa’aaloalo (Respect) - E taua le i ai o le fa’aaloalo i totonu o se mafutaga/faigauo. O le fa’aaloalo lena e fetufaa’i ai lagona ma manatu i se aga e tamali’i ma tausa’afia, ma e talia gofie ai fo’i lagona ma ni manatu pe a o’o ina fa’asoa.
2. Trust (Talitonuina) - E taua le talitonuina o le mafutaga. O ina e aveesea ma fa’aitiitia ai le tulaga lea o le masalosalo vale ma le fuā.
3. Honesty (Fa’amaoni) - O le fa’amaoni e mana’omia lea i totonu o se mafutaga aua e mausali ai le mafana ma le talitonuina o le mafutaga/faigauo.
4. Tulaga Tutusa (Equality) - O le fai tutusa o totino o lo’o i totonu o se mafutaga/faigauo e mafua ai ona fiafia ma maua’a le mafutaga. E leai ai foi se musu ma le fiu gofie.
 Oute iloa e tele isi fa’afitauli o lo’o feagai ma le tupulaga talavou ma oute fia fa’asoa atu ai nei vaega e fesoasoani ma fa’atupu manatu i le tupulaga talavou aua le taumafai e fo’ia fa’afitauli o lo’o feagai ma i latou:
1. Tatalo ma Galue: Ia to’aga e tatalo ma galue. Ia saili i le fesoasoani mai le Alii ma galue e saili auala e maua ai le fesoasoani i se mataupu.
2. Tusi lau fa’asinoala (Create a plan) - Ia tusi sau fa’asinoala e fai lea ma ta’iala i au taumafaiga ina ia e ausia lau sini autu.
3. Fesili mo se Fesoasaoni (Ask for Help) - A i ai se fa’afitauli o feagai ma oe, ia aua le matamuli e fesili mo se fesoasoani. O le fesili e maua ai le tali i se mataupu o lo’o feagai ma oe. E taua fo’i le taumafai o i latou o lo’o fesili atu i ai se tagata mo se fesoasoani e aua nei fa’asoaina atu nei fa’afitaulu i se isi tagata auā o ina e mafua ai le faitala ma le feavea’i tala, ma atili ai lava ona mamafa le avega a le tagata o lo’o feagai ma le fa’afitauli.
 4. Talia le Lagolagosua mai o i si tagata (Accept Support): Ia talia le lagolago ma le fesoasoani atu o se tasi ia te oe. O le fesoasoani lena e fa’amāmā avega mo oe a’o feagai ai ma fa’afitauli o le olaga.
Tupulaga e, o ni isi na o fautuaga e tu’u atu i ou autafa e toe timata ai le upega ma toe sasa’a ai le fafao aua le aga’i i luma. Ia fa’ataua lou fa’asinomaga ma ia aloa’ia le va tapu’ia e maua ai le mafutaga lelei ma le soifua maloloina.
Ua uma lenei fa’asoa o fa’aaogaina pea le Gagana Samoa ona oute talitonu e tatau ona fa’ataua, fa’aolaola, ma fa’amuamua le tatou gagana, aua a tatou fa’amuamua i ai, e toe afe mou. O le tatou tiute ma le matafaioi o le puipui ma fa’aolaola le tatou Gagana ma le Aganu’u Samoa, o le tatou palefuiono lena e iloa ai oe ma a’u i le lalolagi.
E momoli atu le fa’afetai i le Mau mo le Fa’amalosia o Aiga/Alliance, Susuga i le Fa’atonu ia Tofaeono ma le ofisa mamalu mo le avanoa ua maua e lenei auauna fa’atauva’a ma le vaivai e avatu ai se lagona ma ni motuga’afa aua lenei fa’amoemoe. Fa’afetai tele lava, o la outou pule lea. O se upu ua pa’ōpapa poo se peau ua laga vale i le gagana, ia malu ave i fale i finagalo ma loto, ma oute matua atu i ina i lo outou titi faitama e magalo ai lo’u vaivai ma le fa’atauva’a.
Ia manuia tele Amerika Samoa le atunu’u pele, le Ofisa o le Alliance, fa’apea le mamalu o le tatou fa’atasiga i le alofa ma le agalelei o le Atua. Soifua ma ia manuia.
Saunoaga a Kiso Skelton
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2022
Mati 3, 2022

Written by:  PROVISION Media , Photos from Sierasuntimes and CNNPolitics 2022
President Barack Obama was the first US President to proclaim National Stalking Awareness Month in January 2011.  In 2021, President Joe Biden proclaimed January 2022 to be National Stalking Awareness Month and announced that a task force will be put in place to address digital stalking.  The White House highlighted that one in six women and one in seventeen men will experience some type of stalking in their lifetime.  “Stalking operates in the shadows and is fueled by silence and inaction,” Biden commented.  “As we begin this new year, let us commit to shining a brighter light on this insidious crime, to broadening our support for those affected, and to ensuring that all people can live in a world free from violence and fear.”
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted behavior.  Often, the person stalking makes threats or intends to harm the victim.  It involves harassment, repeatedly contacting or following another person, going to their home without being invited, lingering around places they know the person visits, damaging their property and spying on them.  Stalking can also occur online and is often referred to as cyberstalking.
Almost half the people who are stalked experience at least one unwanted contact a week, 11% of those targeted are stalked for five years or longer.  
Four warning signs of stalking: 
 Fixated
Obsessive
Unwanted
Repeated
Here are some tips to help if you feel that you’re being stalked, carry your cell phone with you at all times and keep it charged, trust your instincts, exercise with a friend and try not to go places alone.  Enroll in a self defense class, don’t respond to the stalker and seek counseling.  If you’re at home, make sure the house is secure and well lit and be sure to let your neighbors know that you’re being stalked in case they see anything out of the ordinary.
If you have experienced repeated contact from the same person, report it to the police by calling 911 or 633-111.  If you would like further support contact Catholic Social Services at 699-5683, or Department of Human Social Services at 633-2696.  Safehepline 24/7 hotline at (877)995-5247 (sexual assault), or 24 hour abuse hotline, National Abuse Hotline (800)799-7233. 

Written by PROVISION Media
Teen dating violence is a patten of controlling behavior exhibited towards one teenager by another one while dating.  Three major types of teen dating violence are:  Physical abuse:  hitting, punching, slapping, kicking or shoving.  Emotional abuse;  threats, name calling, screaming, yelling, teasing, intimidating, stalking, calling or using social media to harass.  Sexual abuse;  any unwanted touching, kissing or being coerced into sexual acts.

Relationships are hard, but when you’re a teenage they are even harder and complicated.  A relationship often requires more maturity than most teenagers have developed, but feel they are ready.   Immaturity and lack of experience are just of couple issues teenagers will deal with.  As a result of that, teenagers are more likely to be in relationships that are unhealthy, violent and or abusive.  Some signs to look for are:  extreme jealousy, insecurity, bouts of anger, unusual moodiness, placing blame on the relationship, not taking responsibility, controlling, making accusations or isolating you from friends and family.

Approximately 1 in 3 adolescent girls in the U.S is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.  Short term consequences linked to teen dating violence for the victim include depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases or unintended pregnancies.  

Looking for certain behaviors could be an indication of teen dating violence, such as; a sudden change in appearance, sleeping habits, failing grades, avoiding friends and family, being withdrawn, apologizing or making excuses or having unexplained bruises or scratches.  

If you suspect teen dating violence, talk to them and guide them to the right resources.  Don’t judge them or tell them why they shouldn’t be in the relationship, just listen.  If you are in a situation dealing with teen dating violence, talk to someone you trust and seek professional help.  One resource is The American Samoa Alliance against Domestic and Sexual Violence, you can contact them at (684) 699-0272.  Or you can consult the National Dating Abuse Helpline at (866) 331-9474 (calls are anonymous and available 24 hours).


Teen dating violence prevention - children's safety network. https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/teen-dating-violence. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/teen-dating-violence 
Staff, M. (n.d.). Massachusetts Survivors Outreach. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://masso.webs.com/howwestarted.htm 
staff, A. W. T. H. R. (2019, February 28). Teen dating and domestic violence awareness. wthr.com. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.wthr.com/article/news/health/teen-dating-and-domestic-violence-awareness/531-35e6ddf6-8a52-4e9b-ae06-3cf11087cb3f 

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director, Alliance
When I was 23 years old, I began working for a rape crisis unit.  It was solely volunteer based. The organization provide training before you worked with victims.  You were asked to carry a pager (that’s how long ago) and expected to stay connected with victims who called the hotline.  Sometimes you would receive a call from a police officer who would ask your presence at the Emergency Room to ensure the victim received support.  I once I took an Enneagram 2 personality, and I was defined “The Helper”.  Based on their definition I am generous and sympathetic, already ready to step in when needed to help those around as needed.  As a Helper, I am compelled to aid lend a hand, empathize, and aid others to live their best lives.  I believe many advocates are “Helpers”.
 After some time, I find myself back in a field that relies heavily on support systems, and effective community advocacy.  For the person who posed this question I would ask, “At the core of your being have you identified your strengths and ability to provide assistance?”.  Many times, as “Advocates” we overextend ourselves.  We seek ways to make a difference and touch the hearts of others.  We want to see them heal, and live good lives.  Advocates strive to use genuine affection and connection to leave the world a better place, ensuring resilience.  We push ourselves to be of assistance that we deny our own needs.  Make sure that you are well as an advocate.  Victims can provide stories that can be triggering, identify your triggers, and ensure you have coping mechanisms to remain well.  
I would remind advocates your role is to provide "Help".  Make sure that you are feeling healthy to help sexual assault survivors understand the options that are available to them. As an advocate you should be a source of information to help them make reliable decisions. If you are feeling triggered and unsafe it is important to refer the victim to another advocate. Another way to stay healthy is to learn coping mechanisms, and remember to provide support, not judgment, not pushing your ideas of "What is best".  Remember the "Victim knows what's Best".  Once the victim has made that decision, as an advocate you support the survivor on the best way to reach their goals.  

By Eleanor Sogialofa,
I am a childhood trauma survivor.  Even though I am a survivor, I still deal with unresolved trauma.  It is something that I will carry with me forever, and it can be frustrating as I wonder why me.  I have hated feeling that I was a damaged person who carries a lot of baggage, feeling “messed up”.  In the Pacific Island Samoan community, we are taught to suppress our feelings, because showing feelings is a sign of weakness.  I am taught to be fearless, intimidating, tough and stern.  What I have found through my work, and the people who I have connected with—I can cope with trauma. 
Everyone has experienced trauma at some early point their life.  Victims who have experienced domestic violence, and/or sexual violence have had traumatic experiences.  The National Institute of Mental Health (USA) defines childhood trauma as: “The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.” A well-known Centers of Disease Control (CDC) study explores link between childhood trauma and adult health called “ACE” or Adverse Childhood Experiences.  Results report about 65% of children experience at least 1 adverse event, and 40% of children at least 2 or more ACEs.  The higher the number of experiences the developmental trauma or complex trauma a victim faces.  Examples of ACE are: (1) Physical Abuse, (2) Sexual Abuse, (3) Emotional Abuse (4) Physical Neglect (5) Emotional Neglect (6) Mother treated violently (7) Household substance abuse (8) Household mental illness (9) Parental separation or divorce (10) Physical abused, there are 9 other items not listed here, but I think you get the picture.
As a community we need to understand when children have higher ACE scores, children will have rougher childhood, and have higher risk of health problems as adults.  ACE experiences can lead to increase of illness such as obesity, stroke, heart disease and can impact future adult relationships.  Childhood trauma survivors may experience behavioral changes. This report shows us that children cannot deal with trauma.  If you are a young adult and carry trauma, I encourage you to get moving.  Do not isolate, make sure that you have a safe space.  Listen to your body, if you feel you cannot control your emotions, your anger ask or seek help from either a friend, a safe person, or an advocate. 
In my current position I read and research about ways we can cope with trauma.  It has taught me that I am a survivor.  I am strong, resilient, and capable.  
Source:  Cdc.gov Npr.gov

(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!