The Impact of Domestic Violence in American Samoa

written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
Data shows for every three (3) Pacific Islander women, two (2)  suffer from domestic violence. If you are in a room filled with other people, look at the woman sitting next to you, until you count three (3) women. Based on statistics you know that two of those women have suffered from some domestic violence (i.e. hitting, verbal abuse, psychological distress, etc). If you are sitting at a table of ten (10) women, this means at least six (6) women in your group have suffered from domestic violence. These are our sisters, mothers, and daughters.
 
When ten victims in American Samoa were asked if they reported their abusers, only one victim reported to the police in American Samoa. When asked why they did not call, they said they had called for help before and did not feel safe. They also stated they did not feel the police would believe them. They reported those who were sent to provide assistance always found fault in the victim.
 
In our office I have helped women who have asked if we can send their husbands or boyfriends to our training sessions, so they can learn. One victim said, "I don't want to leave my husband, I just want him to stop." As women we always make sure to take care of our loved ones.
 
Domestic violence is defined as any behavior the purpose of which is to gain power and control over a spouse, partner, girl or boyfriend or intimate family member. Abuse is a learned behavior; it is not caused by anger, mental problems, drugs, or alcohol, for these are addictions that require a specific approach.
 
Our local law 47.0102 defines domestic violence as (1) “Domestic or family violence” means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts by a family or household member, but does not include acts of self-defense:
 Attempting to cause or causing physical harm to another family member or household member.

1. Placing a family or household member in fear of physical harm; or
2. Causing a family or household member to engage involuntarily in sexual activity by force, threat of force or duress.

Family members or household members include

1. Adults or minors who are current or former spouses;
2. Adults or minors who live together or who have lived together
3. Adults or minors who are dating or who have dated

 
It is the work of the Alliance to educate promote awareness about domestic violence.  We teach and talk about systems of oppression, the power and control wheel, and how abusers use the wheel to exert power.  They use isolation, involving separation from families and friends to ensure victims do what they say.  Perpetrators will control monies to ensure victims can not leave.  They attack victims mentally, reminding them they can never leave because nobody wants you because you are stupid, ugly, extremely hurtful words.
 
We ensure the community can identify domestic violence, how to protect themselves as victim, and where to go for assistance.
 
I encourage advocates and victims to look at the women or victims of violence in their lives, and provide them support.  Let them know they are beautiful, they are loved, and they are worthy.  Remember the importance of who we are in our community, and in the Fa’aSamoa.  We are sisters who are cherished by our brothers, the Va Feagaiga, the space between siblings where a covenant is formed, and it does not condone violence.  We must remember that domestic violence is a human issue and we all need to be part of the solution on how to strengthen families to end domestic violence in American Samoa.