 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/
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 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: Kathy Fitisone, MBA, Administrative Analyst
As people continue to push for gender equality throughout the world, we are in awe of those who are at the forefront of activism. They are leading the rallies, marches, and protests to bring light to this inhumane issue of Gender Inequality that leads to increased violence and poverty against women. It is important to know that for numerous reasons that vary from one person to the next, not all people are forefront activists, not all people are able to be physically part of rallies and protests. This does not mean you can’t play your part in lessening the inequality gap. There are several things that you as an individual or family can do from within your homes. Be an example. Whether you are single parent, a married couple, or a blended family, as an adult you have the ability to “be the change you want to see”. Your children see and hear you. They mimic adults. Let them see that as a single mom you are more than capable of doing yard work; as a single dad you can still fix your daughter’s hair. Let them see that cooking is not only a mom’s job and washing a car is not only a dad’s job. Make cooking together a family event. Be mindful of what you say around children in regards to gender, sexuality, and gender inequality. Show them that emotions are not gender-specific – everyone is entitled to happiness, everyone has the right to cry. Share the care and workload from home. Make sure that all household chores that are undertaken by children are equal and irrespective of gender. All young children can pick up after themselves and put away toys both inside and outside of the house. All older children are capable of setting the dinner table, putting away laundry, or doing yard work. Children should learn that cooking, cleaning, and child rearing are not female-specific chores. Encourage and accept differences. One way to get our families to be acceptable of others is to be acceptable within your own family. Let your children be artists and musicians, let them be gardeners and carpenters, chefs and mechanics. Let them learn to play football or dance. Acknowledge differences of race and ethnicities. Provide opportunities for children to see other countries (there are many online apps), taste foods from around the world, and listen to music of different countries. All these help develop acceptance of people being different yet equal. Talk about gender equality with your family. We need to continue the dialogue about the inequality that exists and how these harmful practices affect women and girls of all races, ages, social-economic backgrounds. We need to make sure our children are aware that this type of wrong exists and that it leads to an increase in domestic violence and poverty against women. We need to educate our children that it is only through lessening the gender gap that we will be able to achieve increased chances of equal political participation that leads to cooperation across political lines. With this cooperation we not only envision improved action on healthcare and education for all humans, but the recognition and promotion of gender equality as a basic human right. Posting or sharing reliable, proven, content about these topics on social networking sites. Join the movements on social media. We have seen the power of social media campaigns in bringing about awareness and changes in attitudes. As a family unit, you have an important role in ending the injustices and transforming these discriminatory practices. Let gender equality become a norm with your household.
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 2/21/2022 Ask the Expert Response: Best Way to Help Victims of Sexual Assault in American SamoaRead Now 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: Judy Matautia, Training Coordinator
O Ianuari o le masina ua atofaina mo le faatupulaia ole malamalama ma le silafia aemaise o le puipuia mai i le faafitauli lenei o le fefaatauaiga o tagata. O se tasi foi lenei o sauaga o lo o faatupulaia i atunuu ma vaega eseese o le lagolagi, e a’afia ai ma Amerika Samoa, ma o Amerika Samoa fo’i, ua i ai lana tulafono e puipuia ai ona tagata mai lea ituaiga sauaga. I talaaga ma suesuega o lenei faafitauli atonu e mafai ona faapea nisi e le’o tupu i Samoa lenei ituaiga faafitauli, ma atonu e mafua ona tatou manatu faapea ona tatou te le’o malamalama tele i lenei faafitauli, ae po’o a faailoga vaaia, o ai tagata e ono tutupu ai, ae o ai foi i latou o lo o latou faatinoina lenei solitulafono, ae po o a ni auaunaga o lo o avanoa mo i latou ua sauaina, ae o ai e mafai ona sulu atu ai se tasi ua sauaina mo se lavea’i. E tele naua’i fesili e ono tula’i mai i lenei mataupu. O foliga nei o le faafitauli iinei i Amerika Samoa - o tatou sootaga faaleaiga atonu e fai ma pogai e mafua ai. E toatele tagatanuu Amerika Samoa o lo o latou aumaia ma faanonofo tagata o latou aiga mai Samoa po o nisi atunuu iinei, ma o nisi o nei tagatanuu o Amerika Samoa ua latou faasasa i nei tagata ona latou feoa’i, pe le faia foi o latou pepa faigaluega, ae ua na’o na faanofonofo i le fale, ma faia feau. O nisi ua faafaigaluega ae latou te le mauaina lava se seleni, ae e ave uma i le tagata o lo o nofo ai le tagata lea. O le fefaatauaiga o tagata e tutusa lava ma le faapologaina o tagata. E tele ona tatou faapea, o la e e faia o tatou galuega alofa i tatou aiga mai fafo, peita’i afai e le’o maua e tagata nei mai fafo se ola saoloto, ae na’o le faia o feau o aiga, le faigaluega leai foi se seleni, pe faigaluega ae leai lava se seleni, pe ma’i ae le avea i le falema’i, pe faasasa ona alu ese mai le fale, pe le faia foi pepa nofomau, ma nisi lava gaioiga le talafeagai, o lona uiga o lo’o sauaina lea tagata i sauaga o le fefaatauaiga o tagata – ua e aumaia se tagata mai se isi atunuu, atonu e le’o faatau atu i nisi tagata, ae o lo’o e faapologaina. O ai e tele ona sauaina, a’o ai foi e faatinoina – o tagatanuu o nisi atunuu o lo o fia saili manuia mai i totonu o Amerika Samoa ma e manaomia ona faia o latou pepa nofo mau e se tagatanuu o Amerika Samoa. O le fefaatauaiga o tagata e faatinoina e tagatanuu o Amerika Samoa o lo o latou aumaia tagata mai fafo e faanonofo i totonu o Amerika Samoa ae faaaogaina sese lea avanoa e pulea ma faapologaina ai nei tagata mai fafo. O sauaga i le fefaatauaiga o tagata, o se tasi lea o mataupu e tele ona le gaganaina pe faailoa mai ona o le tele o taimi e a’afia ai le aiga ma nuu. O lo o i ai ni auaunaga ma punaoa o lo o avanoa mo i latou ua sauaina I le fefaatauaiga o i latou, ae mo se lavea’i po o se fesoasoani vave, e tatau ona logoina le ofisa o leoleo. O sauaga o le fefaatauaiga o tagata, o lo o faatupulaia ma e ono mafai ona foia fo’i e le tatou aganuu. O le taumafaiga ina ia faaitiitia sauaga uma i Amerika Samoa, e manaomia tele ai le avea o le tatou aganuu faaSamoa ma se vaega tele o le faatalanoaga, pe faaaogaina le aganuu e fausia ai aoaoga e faatupulaia ma faamausaliina ai le ‘le taliaina’ e nuu ma afioaga o ituaiga amioga ma uiga faasaua. E maua le tatou malosiaga sili pea tatou faatasitasi ma galulue mo se lelei ma manuia o tatou nuu ma aiga, ma tatou taumamao mai ai ma le ola taotaomia, mafatia, ma le pologa ae ia faatumauina pea Samoa ma ona tagata I le ola saoloto!  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/  Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Alliance Executive Director
Wow what a year 2021 has been! It’s time to say goodbye to 2021 as we get ready to welcome in New Year 2022 and make our New Year wishes. It’s the time we reflect on the past year, cherishing the good times, and recognizing the challenges—and how we adapted. With that same concept in mind, I would like to share the Alliance 2021 Year-in-Review. It was a great year for virtual learning, thanks to the pandemic! During the past year the Alliance has vamped up the approach to virtual learning, as we learn new things about the Covid-19 Pandemic. We partnered with Dr. Jueta McCutchan and the American Samoa Mental Health Team to support the first ever hybrid conference in American Samoa. This began our path in hosting “Reform the Norm” Youth Summit, a hybrid Summit, July of 2021. In October, we orchestrated the very-first virtual proclamation-signing in American Samoa, with Lt. Governor Talauega E. V. Ale proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. We hosted a two-day virtual summit with our local partners to talk about domestic violence, and the lens in which it impacts their work or calling. We continue to stretch ourselves as we find innovative ways to connect with our community to share discussions to help eliminate domestic and sexual violence in our community. These discussions continue to focus on healthy relationships and communication, as we parents, or intimate partners learn how to react in healthy responses to difficult situations, versus resorting to violence. Our staff continues to build towards empowering individuals’ abilities to identify domestic and sexual violence. The pathway to domestic and sexual violence is built on power and control. Having thoughtful discussions focused on culture, wellness, and current information about power and control is our effort to promote resiliency and strengthen capacity in our homes, and workspaces to eliminate domestic and sexual violence. The successes we hold from 2021 stem from our workplan and strategy. We identified our projects, developed measurement tools, implemented actions, and analyzed the results. It has provided specific guidance for staffing, timeline and costs associated with implementation. At the end of each year, we assess what worked well, and let go of things that held us back. In the next few weeks, we will be able to reset as we welcome in the New Year 2022. By conducting a Year-In-Review assessment, revisiting our workplan, and measuring our successes and challenges we learn from them. We will celebrate our successes, but more importantly we will embrace what is to come in 2022. Happy New Year!!!  Written by: Judy Matau'tia, Alliance Training Coordinator
O se tasi o mea faigaluega taua mo I tatou o lo o fesoasoani pe faufautua mo I latou ua a’afia I sauaga, o le mafai ona tatou iloa o ni auala eseese e fesoasoani mo I latou ua sauaina, pei o le faia o fuafuaga mo le saogalemu, aemaise lava I taimi o le vevesi po o le le mautonu o le tagata. Ae o lea lenei mea o le fuafuaga saogalemu? O se tonu po o se fuafuaga mo le saogalemu ua faamalamalamaina lea, o ni faaiuga o ni fuafuaga ua tusia aloaia, ma avea pe fai ma faiga faapitoa ina ia mulimulita’I I ai nisi o lo o I se nofoaga ese mai le o lo o sauaina, aua le taimi e tula’i mai ai se faalavelave faafuasei. Ae o lea a se fuafuaga mo le saogalemu mai sauaga faalotoifale? O lea fuafuaga mo le saogalemu o se fuafuaga e patino ia te oe lava ia ma e mafai ona e faatinoina, e aofia ai auala e mafai ai ona saogalemu se tasi ao I ai I se mafutaga ma se isi, po o faamoemoe e tuua le mafutaga, pe ua tuua foi le mafutaga. O le fuafuaga mo le saogalemu e aofia ai foi le mafai ona taulima o faalogona, faasoa I aiga ma uo le tulaga o lo o sauaina ai oe, ma ia faia nisi tulaga e pei o le molia I le tulafono. O le fuafuaga mo le saogalemu e fesoasoani ina ia faaitiitia ai le pulea o se ua sauaina e lana paaga po o le tau faamata’u, e faatupulaia ai le saogalemu o fanau ma I latou ua a’afia, ae aua nei galo o le saogalemu e mafai ona faaupuina faalauaitele ma e uiga eseese le saogalemu mo tagata uma. Ina ia aoga lelei se fuafuaga mo le saogalemu, e tatau I le faufautua ona silafia uma tulaga e faatatau I le ua a’afia I sauaga – pei o manaoga, punaoa e aoga po o avanoa mo lea tagata, aganuu, tu ma aga masani, mafaufauga ma le malamalama o le o lo o sauaina. E tatau foi ona fausia se mafutaga fegalegalea’i, galulue faatasi aemaise o le fetalitonua’i i le va o le faufautua ma le ua sauaina, ina ia mafai ona faatinoina ai o fuafuaga faapea ma le fetu’utu’una’i e fuafua i fesuiaiga o le olaga o le ua sauaina. O le faufautua faatulagaina mo e ua sauaina o se auivi mo le galuega o le faufautua e tuusao ma atoatoa, ma I lona faagalueaina, e manaomia ai se autelega o ni tomai faapitoa, o le malamalama ma le mafai ona faia o faaiuga. Ia manatua e le faufautua I taimi uma, o le taimi e tuua ai le mafutaga saua e le ua a’afia I sauaga, o se tasi lea o taimi le saogalemu mo ia, ae afai o faia ma faataunuuina se tonu mo le saogalemu, ia taga’i toto’a ma saga lapataina pea ina ia saofaga uma fuafuaga ina ia maua ai le saogalemu. Mo le saogalemu, ia faamalosia I latou ua sauaina ina ia faamaumau uma gaioiga saua o lo o feagai ma latou, ia iloa uma ala e ulufafo faavavevave ese ai mai se nofoaga, taofia numera taua ma faia ni faailo po o ni faailoga i upu ma tala e saunoa ai e iloa ai o lo o iai le mea o lo o tupu, ave ese ni aupega malolosi mai le fale e ono afaina pe lavea ai se isi, utu le kesi o le taavale ina ia mafai ona vave alu ese ai mai le nofoaga o sauaga, ma ia iai sina teuga tupe po o se seleni e mafai ona faaaogaina I le taimi ua alu ese ai. A’o sauni se tasi e tuua se mafutaga saua, ia faaleoleo se seleni mo mea e manaomia, saunia se ato e mafai ona vave tagofia ma alu loa, ma ia iai totonu mea taua e mana’omia, vaai lelei se taimi e alu ese ai, feso’ota’i leoleo mo se fesoasoani, faafeso’ota’i se loia, faafeso’ota’i auaunaga o lo o mafai ona puipuia ai fanau. I le maea ai ona tuua o se mafutaga sauaina, ia fautuaina le ua sauaina ina ia I ai se telefoni ma se numera fou mo le telefoni, faaauau pea ona faamaumau uma gaioiga ma mea o lo o tutupu, sui loka o fale ma taavale, alu atu I se nofoaga o lo o fai ma to’omaga, a mafai aua nei nofo toatasi, ae faia ni feiloaiga ma le o lo o faia sauaga ia feiloai I ni nofoaga faitele, suia mea e masani ona faia I aso taitasi, ma ia faaauau ona maua feiloaiga a le faufautua ma le ua sauaina. O le tiute a le faufautua e tatau ona manatua I taimi uma: o ia e faasoa ma tuufaatasi le tele o faamatalaga ma ia tamaoaiga I le malamalama I ala uma e tatau ona uia ma faaleleia atili se fuafuaga mo le saogalemu ua maea ona faataatia. E aoga tele le fuafuaga mo le saogalemu pe a mafai ona galulue faatasi le faufautua ma le ua sauaina. 11/27/2021 Ask the Expert: "I get nervous when doing a speech. What pointers would you give me to write a great speech?"Read Now 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.
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: Judy Matau'tia, Training Coordinator
E iai le talitonuga faasamoa, o vaifofo mo faafitauli ma mataupu eseese o lo’o a’afia ai o tatou nu’u ma aiga, o lo’o taoto i totonu o tatou lava aiga, nuu ma afioaga, pei ona i ai le alaga upu ‘e fofo e le alamea le alamea’. Ae pe faapefea ona maua lenei vaifofo e aiga ua faamalepeina ona o sauaga? O se tasi o malosiaga o tagata Samoa, o le tele o itu o le tatou aganuu, e faasino tonu i le faafaileleina o tatou mafutaga ma so’otaga ma isi faapea ma aiga, ma le tatou siosiomaga. Ae o le tele o tatou ua motusia o tatou so’otaga mai vaega ia o le tatou aganu’u, ona o ni mafuaaga se tele tatou te le mailoa. E tatau ona taumafai e talepe pa pupuni o lo’o taofia ai i tatou mai le feso’ota’i moni ma ia mafai ona maua ai aiga alolofa ma le saogalemu, lea e tatau lava ona i ai. E tatau ona faafailele ma tausia mai le laitiiti o ni ali’i latou te le faaaogaina sauaga e pulea ai ma le malosi o latou aiga. O lo o iai auala e mafai ona a’oaiina ai le fanau e aunoa ma le sauaina, ma ta’itaia se aiga e saoloto mai sauaga. E tatau ona fai ma masani le faatalanoaina o tulaga nei, o mataupu nei, o faafitauli nei i totonu o aiga, talanoa ina ia mafai ona fetu’utu’una’i tulaga uma nei i se auala saogalemu. E taua tele le feso’ota’i. O se tasi o suiga sili ona taua e tulai mai, o le mafai e aiga ona feso’ota’i i se auala vavalalata ma i latou e mafai ona fesoasoani e ta’itaia aiga nei ina ia ola e aunoa ma sauaga, ma o se a’afiaga lelei tele o lea itu, pe a mafai ona faia lava e tagata mai totonu o tatou lava nuu ma aiga. Ia tatou faamanatu ma le faaagaaga i mea e faamalosiauina ai i tatou, o vaega ia o le tatou faasinomaga o tagata Samoa, o tagata Pasefika, e fiafia ma matua faaeaina ai o tatou tagata, pei o le lotu, o ta'aloga, faafiafiaga, faiva alofilima, ma avanoa mo aiga e faatasitasi ai. Ae atonu e faigata mo nisi ona faia lea tulaga, aemaise lava pe afai e leo i ai se soifua manuia po’o le soifua maloloina, pe tele naua’i le popole, po’o le taumafai i aso taitasi ina ia iai pea se nofoaga e nonofo ai le aiga, po’o le tausia o taimaiti ma mea fai a le aoga. E faafaigata pe afai ua faamalepeina e sauaga le saogalemu a lou aiga. I le avea ai o tatou o se nuu, afioaga, atunuu, e tatau ona tatou mafaufauina pe faapefea ona faatupulaia avanoa e mafai ai ona tatou feso’ota’i i auala anoa ma le taua, ina ia mafai ai pea e tatou ona foia ma fofo o tatou faafitauli, ma mafai ona fesoasoani foi i nisi i lea lava itu. O nisi nei o auala e 5, po’o ni gaioiga vave e mafai ona tatou fesoasoani ai e puipuia mai ai o tatou aiga ma uo, mai i sauaga, ona ua sili atu i le 2 vae 3 o tama’ita’i ma le 1 i le 12 ali’i ua a’afia i sauaga i totonu o aiga mai le latou olaga atoa. O nei numera e faailoa mai ai, ua matua’i tele naua’i. 1: Aua nei le amanaiaina. Afai e te faalogo ma vaai atu i ou tuaoi ua faia ni tulaga o sauaga, valaau leoleo. Atonu e faasaoina mai ai se ola o se isi. 2: Faalogo. Afai e ta’u atu e se isi ia te oe o lo’o feagai ia ma ni sauaga, faalogo e aunoa ma le faamasino. Talitonu i mea o lo’o faasoa atu ia te oe, ma fesili pe mafai faapefea ona e fesoasoani. 3: Fai ma siaki i taimi uma. Afai o lo’o lamatia se uo po’o se e pele ia te oe, fai ma masani le a’apa atu i ai e mautinoa ai o lo’o saogalemu ia. 4: Avea ma punaoa. Ofoina atu lou taimi e faia ai se mea e fesoasoani e faamama avega atu ai ma mafai ona taofiofi pe faalilolilo faamatalaga o mea ua tutupu. 5: Ta’ita’i e ala i faataitaiga. Aua nei lagolagoina faiga masani ia e pei e viia, faaeaina, pe si’itia ai sauaga e ala i musika, ata tifaga, televise, taaloga, ma nisi faiga tali tutusa. Talanoa i fanau ma le aiga i tulaga nei. E fofo e tatou o tatou lava faafitauli, ma e mafai foi ona tatou a'apa atu i nisi mo se fesoasoani, ma o lou taumafai lena e fofo ma foia le faafitauli. E le mafai ona foia se mea, pe a tatou le gaioi mo se fofo, e pei lava o se faama’i e maua ai tatou, e le mafai ona tatou toe maua le malosi ma le manuia pe a tatou le saili fofo i le falema’i po’o le aapa atu i se taulasea. E faapena foi le tulaga o sauaga, a tatou le gaioi mo se fofo, e faapena pea ona faatupulaia pea sauaga i totonu o tatou aiga. Ia tatou saili fofo mo sauaga o lo'o tula'i mai i totonu o tatou aiga ae le o le tatou faatali pe le amanaiaina foi. Fofo nei loa ae le'i tupu faapapala sauaga.  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!  Retrieved from: https://matafilms.co.nz/video/tag/samoan+wedding 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. 10/4/2021 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Church Service The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Pago Pago West StakeRead NowWritten 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. |
