September is National Campus
Safety Awareness Month
(NCSAM)
Safety Awareness Month
(NCSAM)
Each year, colleges and universities throughout the nation recognize the month of September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM). This month of Campus Safety awareness encourages the public to have difficult conversations about topics on violence prevention on our nation's campuses. Every year, college students across the nation are becoming victims of sexual assault, robbery, stalking, and other drug related crimes.
According to an article written on substance use among college students, the use of illicit drugs has increased in the past decade. Substance use among college students has a correlation with several negative outcomes. One of those being an increased risk of committing or experiencing a sexual assault.
Studies show that gender-based violence remains a primary public health and safety issue on our college campuses. After reviewing 15 years’ worth of data, a team of researchers found that women, underclassman, students with disabilities, students with past histories of sexual victimization, and students with racial, ethnic, or sexual minorities had a higher prevalence of being sexually assaulted on campus. These could come in the form of unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, or broadly defined sexual assault.
The Office of Violence against Women or OVW is committed to the support efforts for victims and prevention of sexual assaults on campus. The Office of Violence against Women is working to create healthy and safe environments for students nationwide by collaborating with campus programs, law enforcement, and victim service providers. Many of the Office of Violence against Women Campus Programs are supporting National Campus Safety Awareness Month by promoting awareness on campus and providing prevention activities, such as self-defense, safe dating, and healthy relationship support. Some campuses are also holding orientations for incoming students that cover the topics of sexual assault, stalking, and dating domestic violence.
The Office of Violence against Women also updated the National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners, this incorporates the foundational training that supports the services to specialized groups like college students and their staff. The Office of Violence against Women does not provide services to the public. But the Office of Violence against Women offers help and support on the islands of American Samoa.
According to an article written on substance use among college students, the use of illicit drugs has increased in the past decade. Substance use among college students has a correlation with several negative outcomes. One of those being an increased risk of committing or experiencing a sexual assault.
Studies show that gender-based violence remains a primary public health and safety issue on our college campuses. After reviewing 15 years’ worth of data, a team of researchers found that women, underclassman, students with disabilities, students with past histories of sexual victimization, and students with racial, ethnic, or sexual minorities had a higher prevalence of being sexually assaulted on campus. These could come in the form of unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, or broadly defined sexual assault.
The Office of Violence against Women or OVW is committed to the support efforts for victims and prevention of sexual assaults on campus. The Office of Violence against Women is working to create healthy and safe environments for students nationwide by collaborating with campus programs, law enforcement, and victim service providers. Many of the Office of Violence against Women Campus Programs are supporting National Campus Safety Awareness Month by promoting awareness on campus and providing prevention activities, such as self-defense, safe dating, and healthy relationship support. Some campuses are also holding orientations for incoming students that cover the topics of sexual assault, stalking, and dating domestic violence.
The Office of Violence against Women also updated the National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners, this incorporates the foundational training that supports the services to specialized groups like college students and their staff. The Office of Violence against Women does not provide services to the public. But the Office of Violence against Women offers help and support on the islands of American Samoa.
SEPTEMBER IS
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
|
September is Suicide Prevention Day. For those who are struggling & suffering silently in the dark, be their light. One of the most important things we can do is to be there for each other. If you see someone who is struggling, reach out and offer your support. Let them know you care and that you are there for them. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! #SuicidePrevention #BeTheLight #YouAreNotAlone |
Alliance Summer Internship Program 2024
(VOICE THE SILENCE!)
MEET OUR INTERNS FROM OUR YOUTH VIRTUAL SUMMIT
|
Name : Baker Autumns Taumaoe
Age : 19 About me : Pacific greetings to you all. My name is Baker Autumns Taumaoe. I was born to Fuatia Taumaoe from the villages of Nu’uuli in American Samoa and Puapua in Savai’i. I identify as a Fa’afafine and transgender woman. I graduated from Tafuna High School in 2022 and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, class of 2024. I am your reigning Miss S.E.I Earth 2023-2024. Advocacy is the priority that I bestow upon myself, promoting Fa’afafine awareness and encouraging more to affiliate within our community. Being visible is a fighting chance, and that’s what I’m passionate about: conducting work for my community so that others can succeed. “God created men and women, yea not Fa’afafine, but at the end of the day, God will see you as his child.”
What I do : Rural Community Intern
I am currently working as an Intern at the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence alongside the new program called “Rural”. Jaiyah Saelua is the Project Manager as well Uni Tanielu as the Assistant Coordinator. The newest initiatives from the OVW Rural Project Alliance. The project's main goals are to identify instances of violence against fa'afafine & fa'atama and to locate services that can assist victims in recovering from such acts. Rural is working collaboratively with the SOFIAS to collect data based on Sexual Violence within the Fa’afafine Community. The Program plays a crucial role in supporting the Fa’afafine community. This program focuses on providing essential resources, education, and advocacy to ensure that Fa’afafine individuals are recognized and respected within society. Through various initiatives, the Rural Program works to promote equality and acceptance, addressing issues such as discrimination and social stigma. They offer workshops, counseling, and community events that aim to empower Fa’afafine, helping them to thrive both personally and professionally. By fostering a supportive environment, the Rural Program contributes significantly to the visibility and well-being of the Fa’afafine in American Samoa, encouraging a more inclusive and understanding community. |
|
Name : Lillyann Launiu
Age : 20 About me : I am Letoe’e-Lillyann Heta Launiu (Lilly) having been born of goodly parents. I am a 20-year-old human services graduate from the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). I live in Mapusaga Fou and was born on the 6th of January, 2004.
What I do : Training Associate Intern
I am an intern working alongside the training coordinator - Ms.Judy Mata’utia, the community educator - Ms.Monica Ve’ave’a, and the assistant training coordinator - Ms.Maraea Nautu. In this work, I help organize and facilitate meetings. I am urged to think out of the box and be open-minded about our upcoming projects. I learned a lot by taking the initiative to plan, asking questions, and training myself to research and be more educated on certain topics. For this summer’s internship, our summit surrounds the topic of Sexual Assault. As an advocate of this ongoing work, I aim to educate myself about Sexual Assault and be able to create awareness in my home and outside my home. |
|
|
Name : Liualevaiosina Eveline
Age : 22 About me : I am from Faleasao, Manu'a and Vaitogi and I was born on November 7th, 2002. What I do : Media Associate Intern
My name is Liua E. Ofoia. I am a media intern with the Alliance Summer Internship Program. My job as a media intern is to help raise awareness through flyers. Researching and designing flyers for the month of and what awareness may come along with that month. For example, July is Disability Pride Month and National Minority Mental Health Month. As a media intern, the flyers that i create must send a clear message and eye pleasing to those who view . |
|
Name : James Morgan
Age : 18 About me : My name is James, and I come from the village of Iliili. I currently attend High School as a Senior at the age of 18 years old. My hobbies consist of Body Building and Competitive Gaming, while consistently keeping my soul with the lord. I am also working towards joining the Marine Corps as my main goal for the future.
What I do : I work as an Technical Support here at the Alliance, My job is to edit webpages, update technological information and to make sure that the information being publicized is useful and accurate for the usage of our community.
|
|
RURAL RESOURCE CENTER
Our OVW Rural Project team launched its very first Resource Center in American Samoa, providing a public and safe space for our Fa'afafine community. Since the Fa'afafine in American Samoa was organized in the late 1960s, we now have a dedicated center for support and empowerment. Special thanks to our partner, S.O.F.I.A.S, a few fa'afafine and SOGIE individuals, and all who collaborated with our Rural team to make this incredible milestone. Together, we are making a difference!
#FaafafineCommunity #SafeSpace
#FaafafineCommunity #SafeSpace
Check Out Our Recent EVENTS
WELLNESS
SELF-CARE THRU THE ARTS
In continuing to practice wellness with the community, the Alliance had the pleasure to provide Self-Care Thru the Arts to one of our community partners - BlueSky’s Retail Team. Self-care is essential in helping one to reduce the turmoil and volatility that undermines their ability to work or even function well daily. Art has an incredible way of connecting to the world and allowing us to feel and express ourselves. Sometimes we are calm, happy, relaxed, or inspired, and because of these feel-good effects, art is a powerful tool for wellness, self-care, and mental health. Studies show that expression through art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress. Art has also been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and resilience in aging. Local artist Litea Beterua facilitated this group session, and the goal is that the community understands what wellness can look like in one’s workspace as well as in life. Being kind to yourself is important. Doing things that make you happy can serve a crucial role in healing. It could involve creating a healing journal, painting, listening to music, or even watching your favorite TV show. The best part is, art is something everyone can participate in. It does not prescribe to any particular set of norms and is unique to each and every one of us. So why not give it a try? It may be the best decision for your wellness yet!
(For more information about this free workshop please feel free to email us @ [email protected] or call 699-0272 and ask for Monica Veavea.)
Lets get our wellness on!
(For more information about this free workshop please feel free to email us @ [email protected] or call 699-0272 and ask for Monica Veavea.)
Lets get our wellness on!
HEALING THROUGH WRITING
WORKSHOP
|
Discover the power that you have in your writing through this HEALING THROUGH WRITING WORKSHOP, where you can write about your thoughts and emotions about what you've been through in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you have been a victim of violence or not, and whether or not you have writing experience, this session is an excellent opportunity to learn how writing and journaling can help you heal. You possess the choice of writing down things you need to express privately or sharing them with others.
For more information about this upcoming writing workshop email us at [email protected] or call Monica at (684)699-0272. We hope to see you there! |
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH WAVE!!
Sexual Assualt Awareness Month Wave hosted by the Healthy & Human services club at ASCC was held on April 10, 2024. Waving to raise public consciouness about the issues of Sexual violence and showing support for survivors.
|
It's Teal Tuesday! Every Tuesday, the Alliance is donning teal in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and to raise awareness for sexual violence prevention. Join us in wearing teal and spreading hope and support.
#TealTuesday #SupportSurvivors |
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2024
"LOVE LIKE THAT"
In a collaborative effort that is youth-driven, the American Samoa Community College(ASCC) together with the Alliance join forces in bringing you more information on teen dating violence. Join us on March 21st , 2024 from 9am to 12 pm, for this year's TEEN DATING VIOLENCE (TDV) Virtual Conference. “Love like that“, is this year's theme and will be hosted and facilitated by ASCC, Department of Health & Human Services Students. This is a great opportunity for many to learn more about the types of TDV, healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, stalking, how to support a victim of TDV, safety planning, developing resilience and so much more! So make sure you don't miss out. Scan the QR code on the flyer so that you can register to get your own link to join the virtual conference. We will also be live streaming on facebook, so if you have any questions, comments, or sharing, you can join us as well. A big THANK YOU goes out to Derek Helsham, Instructor and department Chairperson, EXTIO Coordinator, and the Health & Human Services Department, Dr. Rosevonne Pato, President of ASCC for the continued support and collaboration, and the amazing students who are always contributing to the work of the Alliance. To join the virtual conference, please scan the QR code on the flyer or for more information about the conference, call 684-699-0272 or email [email protected].
Faafetai tele!
Faafetai tele!
|
We want to extend a heartfelt THANKS! to the incredible students from the American Samoa Community College for their work as our Volunteers. They worked at the direction of our Training Team to develop content, understand what is teen dating violence and lead the Conference. We are glad to announce the conference was - a tremendous success! the Interns were amazing! Their hard work, dedication, and passion for spreading awareness about teen dating violence have truly made a difference. We love and thank them for their spirit to learn and share, as well as their commitment for change! Helping us to end Violence in our homes, families and spaces!
We recognize as well as applaud these amazing students who have volunteered their time to contribute to the work of the Alliance. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them! We appreciate you all! Wishing you all the best this semester. Mehitabelle Aiono Liualevaiosina Ofoia Letoe'e - Lillyann Heta Launiu Fiatagata Iafeta Catherine Malama Oeti #TDVConference #LoveLikeThat #ASCCStudentsRock |
|
