How Advocates Help the Healing Process for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director
​I believe now more than ever we need more people to be advocates. An advocate is simply a champion, a supporter, they help to inspire or promote change. They aid people who feel they aren’t heard, or do not have access to necessary information or services, and today we need more advocates.
With the increase in prices and the difficulty of families to make ends meet, we will continue to see an influx in domestic and sexual violence in American Samoa.  Statistics continue to display that stress, those that are related to socioeconomic stress connected to poverty, unemployment and inadequate social resources will increase domestic violence in a community. When you couple this with increased substance abuse (alcohol and drugs) the problem becomes exponential.  We are witness to this every day thru the Samoa News Stories.  The news is littered with reports of domestic disputes, and it does not seem that there is an easy fix.
For this reason, it is critical to know who you can turn to for help if you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence.  Public Safety Department, also known as the American Samoa Territorial Police, is the police law agency for American Samoa, and was created to protect the lives and property of American Samoa citizens.  Department of Human and Social Services helps to “improve the lives” of those in our community and offers support based on behavioral health, childcare, substance abuse, etc. We also have local organizations who are advocates, such as Catholic Social Services, American Samoa Legal Aid, and Back on Track, who’s primary role is to aid with those in need. 
When searching for an advocate make sure that you establish good relationships, as they have created strong partners, and understand the needs of victims.  An advocate do their work with patience and perseverance to help victims of domestic and sexual violence.  Victim advocates work to aid victims to ensure they are safe, and work towards resiliency for the victim.  You can find advocates in all different places, some can be found on campus, and in healthcare systems, as well as in law enforcement.  It’s important to ask for an advocate when you are seeking help.