Using Resiliency to Combat Daily Stressors

​Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Executive Director
The American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence, “aka Alliance” is the recognized dual coalition in the United States for American Samoa. The common shared values of the US coalitions are to give voice on behalf of the victims, support the work of local members, hold societal systems accountable for the responses to victims, and promote the work to prevent violence.
 Every day our Samoa News newspaper, and on social media we are faced with the serious public concern about domestic and sexual violence.  A Samoa News article stated “Domestic violence cases becoming common incidents—“in 2021, and other articles showing the prevalence of men beating their wives and families members are found every day.
Many times I am posed with the same question, “How can we get the violence to stop?” It’s not an question easily answered.  Every year the Alliance continues to “talk stories” within our community about violence, which helps us to create manuscripts to be used by the community to combat domestic and sexual violence.  Our monthly newsletters expand our reach as we continue to grow in subscriptions.  We work with our local partners to support the work they do that center around domestic and sexual violence, with the purpose to healing communities. The Alliance recognizes the unique needs of our communities, focusing on the Fa’aSamoa and the opportunities provided to improve the work we do, but none of this is done alone. 
It takes families learning about healthy responses and communication.  We experience high stress, particularly today.  The cost of living is exorbitant, as we see the increased cost of fuel, food, power, and water.  We struggle to manage our daily finances, while trying to care for loved ones who are more inclined to have health issues (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, alcohol and anger issues, etc).  Unfortunately, this new pace of intensity of modern life—where information is quickly available, but answers are harder to find, is not likely to change.  Now more than ever, it is important for our community to learn more about resiliency.  When we chose resilient behavior responses, we are better equipped to deal with the difficulties placed in our pathway.  It is a tool that will help us to “bounce back” versus using our fists and words to harm those in our circle. 
The good news is you can learn these traits and develop ways to better cope with today’s pressures.  Every month the Alliance provides Resilience tips.  Follow us here and learn more. 

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