Written by Jennifer F Tofaeono, Executive Director, Photo AI
​In early December, a woman in Pago Pago experienced a terrifying attack in her own home. According to Samoa News, a man entered her bedroom while she was asleep and tried to sexually assault her. She resisted, realized it was not her husband, and managed to push him off her body. When he tried to leave, she shut the door and called her husband, who then alerted police. The suspect was arrested and charged with attempted rape and other serious crimes.

What is deeply troubling about this story is not only the violence, but how quickly we fall back on the idea that safety means locking the door and staying quiet. We must understand this: locking doors alone cannot prevent violence — but open, caring conversation can protect our families and our children.

Why Talking Helps:  When families talk openly about sexual violence, it helps victims in important ways. Silence makes victims feel alone. Talking lets them know they are not at fault and not alone.
Open conversations help because:

• Victims are more likely to ask for help
• Families can respond earlier, before harm continues
• Youth learn what is safe and what is not
• Predators lose power when secrecy is broken

In Fa’aSamoa, learning happens through talanoa — honest, respectful conversation. When we talk openly in our homes and villages, we reduce fear and confusion. We replace silence with understanding. In Fa’aSamoa, families protect one another. Safety is not only about doors and locks — it is about talking, believing, and acting together.

What Families Can Do To Protect Their Loved Ones:  Below are simple, strong steps families can take to protect children, youth, and loved ones from sexual harm:

Talk Early and Often (Talanoa)Open conversations help prevent harm. This includes talking with children and youth about:

• Respect (faaaloalo)
• What safe behavior looks like — for example:
  • Asking permission before touching someone
  • Respecting “no” the first time it is said
  • Listening without teasing, threatening, or forcing
  • Speaking kindly
• What unsafe behavior looks like — for example:
  • Touching someone without permission
  • Ignoring or pushing past a “no”
  • Threats or fear to control someone
• Body boundaries — what is okay, what is not

It also includes talking about where a child or victim can go safely if they feel uncomfortable. Your words do not need to be perfect. Honest, caring conversation is enough. Always Believe First: When someone shares something hard or painful, start by believing them.
If someone says something difficult:

• Listen calmly
• Then say: “I believe you.”
• Do not reply with questions like:
  • “Why didn’t you just leave?”
  • “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Instead, respond with care. Believing a person when they are hurting removes shame. Shame keeps harm hidden. It tells victims they are alone or that what happened is their fault. Belief tells them they matter.
Victims do not always have perfect words when they share their stories. They may:

• Speak slowly or in pieces
• Have details that change as they remember more
• Struggle to explain feelings

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This is normal. Trauma makes it hard to tell a story all at once. When we hear someone speak, listen with care to help them feel safe.

Examples of Caring Conversations Victim: “Something happened, but I don’t know how to explain it.”
Listener: “It’s okay. Take your time. I am here, and I believe you.”

Another example:
Victim: “I’m scared to talk about it.”
Listener: “Thank you for trusting me. What happened is not your fault.”
When we respond this way, victims hear “I am believed.” That helps remove shame and opens the door to healing.
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Remember🔒 Locking doors can stop someone from entering a home.
🗣️ Talking, believing, and acting together can stop harm from continuing.
As families, as villages, and as a community rooted in Fa’aSamoa values, we can keep our people safer by choosing conversation over silence, belief over doubt, and collective action over isolation.

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, MBA, Executive Director ASADSV, AI created Photo
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Preventing sexual violence in American Samoa requires more than information—it requires trust, culture, language, and community connection. Through the CDC Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program, the Alliance is focused on prevention efforts that meet people where they are and reflect the values that guide our families and villages.
The RPE Program centers on prevention before harm occurs. This means building understanding, encouraging healthy relationships, and strengthening community responses so sexual violence is less likely to happen in the first place. In our territory, this work must be rooted in fa‘asamoa and shaped by the voices of our people.
What the Community Shared With UsRecent surveys conducted through our RPE work show that many community members—especially young people—are aware of what sexual violence is and recognize it as an issue in American Samoa. Most respondents reported knowing where to get help and believed that education plays an important role in prevention.

When asked what would make the biggest difference in stopping sexual violence, the most common response was clear: talk about it in families and communities. People also emphasized the importance of teaching respect, making sure help is visible and accessible, and strengthening accountability. At the same time, many shared that fear, shame, and cultural pressure still make it difficult for survivors to speak up or seek help.
These responses reinforce what advocates see every day—education matters, but how we talk about sexual violence matters just as much.

What the Alliance Will Be Working On in the Year Ahead:  In the coming year, the Alliance will focus on culturally tailored prevention efforts that reflect what the community has shared. One priority is developing a CDC RPE curriculum designed specifically for American Samoa. This curriculum will integrate Samoan values, storytelling, and open dialogue, while providing clear information about sexual assault, consent, and prevention.
Language access will be central to this work. The Alliance will ensure that materials support Samoan-speaking communities and create space for conversations that feel respectful and relevant. Partnerships with organizations that already lead culturally grounded education—such as the American Samoa Community College—will help strengthen health literacy and expand reach.

Another focus will be building capacity among service providers and advocates. Healthcare providers, law enforcement, educators, and community leaders will be engaged through training that supports survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches. These efforts help ensure that when survivors seek help, they are met with understanding, clarity, and support.

How Advocates Can Help Move Prevention ForwardRape prevention is not limited to programs or events—it happens every day through our actions and conversations. Advocates can support prevention in simple, practical ways:

1. Speak clearly and respectfully
   Use language that supports understanding and dignity when talking about consent, respect, and safety.
2. Share trusted resources
   Help people find information by sharing materials, events, and services that already exist in the community.
3. Respond with care and belief
   Listening, believing, and connecting survivors to support can make a lasting difference.

Preventing sexual violence in American Samoa requires ongoing commitment, cultural respect, and shared responsibility. Through CDC Rape Prevention and Education efforts, the Alliance remains focused on building prevention strategies that reflect who we are and support the safety and healing of our communities.

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, +AI
Fa’aSamoa is built on shared responsibility. The concept of va fealoa’i—the space of respect between people—guides how families and communities care for one another. From a prevention perspective, this cultural value directly supports sexual violence prevention by reinforcing accountability, connection, and collective care.
Prevention means stopping harm before it happens. Sexual violence prevention focuses on strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors at the community level. Fa’aSamoa naturally aligns with this approach because it emphasizes that safety is not only an individual issue, but a shared responsibility across families, churches, schools, and villages.

In practice, shared responsibility in Fa’aSamoa looks like:

• Parents and caregivers teaching children about respect, boundaries, and dignity early 
• Elders and extended family addressing harmful behavior before it escalates
• Churches and schools reinforcing clear expectations about respectful conduct
• Community leaders modeling accountability and speaking out against violence
• Families checking in with one another and refusing to stay silent when something feels wrong

Community survey findings reinforce this approach. Most respondents identified open conversation in families and communities as one of the most effective ways to prevent sexual violence. Silence allows shame to grow, while education and dialogue reduce stigma and increase accountability.
For advocates and service providers, this means prevention work should normalize conversation, reduce fear of speaking, and set clear community expectations. Fa’aSamoa provides a culturally grounded foundation to do this work in ways that honor tradition while protecting people.
Fa’aSamoa teaches shared responsibility. Prevention is not just the work of victims or systems. It is the responsibility of the whole community. When everyone protects the va, shame is reduced and accountability is strengthened.

What Can I Do?  Advocates can support prevention by: (1) Using Fa’aSamoa values (va fealoa’i, fa’aaloalo, shared responsibility) when discussing safety (2) Creating education spaces focused on learning, not disclosure. (3) Encouraging families and leaders to talk about respect and boundaries before harm occurs. (4) Reinforcing that violence is never acceptable and never the victim’s fault. (5) Helping communities understand that prevention reduces shame by making expectations clear

 Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, MBA ED
Over the past year, the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence has continued to strengthen our rape prevention efforts through culturally grounded, community-driven work supported by the CDC Rape Prevention Education (RPE) program. Our approach remains rooted in Fa’aSamoa and guided by the belief that prevention is strongest when it reflects the values, relationships, and realities of our communities.
In 2024–2025, the Alliance secured continued CDC RPE funding to expand prevention education, collaboration, and outreach across the Territory (Alliance Secures Continued CDC Funding for Rape Prevention Education, ASAlliance.co). This support allowed us to deepen engagement with underserved populations, including youth and Fa’afafine communities, and to strengthen coordination with community partners.
A key focus of our RPE work this year was culturally responsive prevention dialogue. Using Samoan approaches such as fa‘alatalanoa and storytelling, we created space for conversations about consent, healthy relationships, sacred boundaries (va tapuia), and shared responsibility for safety (CDC RPE Program Update: Planting Seeds of Prevention, ASAlliance.co). These discussions helped address stigma and cultural silence while honoring community values.

We also prioritized training and capacity building for service providers, faith leaders, youth advocates, and community partners. Trainings emphasized trauma-informed prevention, understanding power dynamics, and recognizing how trauma shows up in rural and collectivist settings (Strengthening Our Families: Honoring Fa’aSamoa and Preparing for the Work Ahead, ASAlliance.co).

Community engagement remained central to our work. Prevention activities were carried out in partnership with village leaders, women’s committees, youth groups, and local organizations, ensuring prevention messages were relevant and embedded within existing community structures (Tusitala Monthly Articles, ASAlliance.co).
Public education was supported through ongoing communication on ASAlliance.co and the Alliance’s Facebook page, where we shared prevention messages, educational articles, and event highlights (American Samoa Alliance Facebook Page).
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While challenges such as rural isolation and limited resources persist, RPE-supported activities this year strengthened community readiness and reinforced the importance of culturally grounded prevention.

Please note:  This Image Was AI-Generated Because this image was generated by AI and does not depict real, identifiable people,  .

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director
The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is proud to announce that, effective July 1, 2025, the Alliance has once again received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue our work under the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) program. This grant allows us to strengthen prevention efforts, expand community education, and provide support for survivors of sexual violence throughout American Samoa.

What the RPE Grant SupportsThe CDC’s RPE program is designed to stop sexual violence before it happens by funding evidence-based prevention strategies, community education, and partnerships that build safer environments. In American Samoa, the Alliance uses this funding to:

• Promote collaboration among service providers through training and awareness events.
• Engage underserved communities to ensure all voices are included in prevention strategies.
• Provide education and resources so survivors and community members know where to turn for support.
• Strengthen data capacity to better understand sexual violence and the social determinants of health (SDOH).

Planned Activities: July 2025 – June 2026With this year’s funding, the Alliance is excited to announce several major initiatives:

1. RPE Partners Fair We will host a Rape Prevention Education Partners Fair in collaboration with the Office of Violence Against Women’s Sexual Assault and SASP-funded activities. The fair will bring organizations together to strengthen partnerships, promote services, and give the community an opportunity to learn which agencies provide support for rape prevention and sexual assault.

2. Sexual Assault Conference TrainingThe Alliance will also host a Sexual Assault Conference in partnership with SASP-funded activities. This training will help victims, advocates, and community members strengthen their ability to navigate advocacy and support survivors. Key sessions will include:

• Understanding Trauma and Building Survivor-Centered Advocacy
• Legal Rights and Navigating the Criminal Justice System
• The Role of Medical Professionals in Supporting Survivors

3. Talanoa Sessions with Underserved CommunitiesWe will continue our Talanoa Sessions with communities whose voices are often underrepresented — including Fa’afafine, women and youth ages 18–28, and ethnic and national origin minorities in American Samoa. These dialogues will allow participants to share experiences with sexual violence, existing prevention resources, and barriers to accessing support. The feedback will help guide the development of tailored prevention strategies that meet the unique needs of each community.

4. Community Outreach DiscussionsThe Alliance will host three outreach community discussions to focus specifically on sexual assault and rape in vulnerable communities. These conversations will create safe spaces for dialogue and awareness, while strengthening connections to prevention and support services.

5. Training for State Health Department Staff We will provide training sessions for state health department staff on:

• Data collection methods
• Analysis techniques
• Use of publicly available data sources related to sexual violence and social determinants of health (SDOH)

This effort will improve data-driven decision-making and ensure prevention strategies are informed by reliable, locally relevant information.

Looking AheadThe continuation of the RPE grant provides a critical opportunity to expand prevention efforts, deepen community engagement, and support survivors. By working together with partners and aligning efforts with existing OVW Sexual Assault Services Program activities, the Alliance is committed to building stronger networks of prevention and advocacy.

We invite the community to join us in these events, participate in Talanoa sessions, and follow our journey throughout the year. Together, we can build a stronger, safer American Samoa.

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Dir
Prevention in Focus: Lessons from the RPE National DialogSeptember 2025 Newsletter | American Samoa 
At this year’s CDC Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) National Dialog, participants gathered to share lessons, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for the future of prevention. The heart of the session was the small group discussions, where advocates and prevention leaders dug into eight key topic areas shaping the next chapter of sexual violence prevention.

Eight Key Topics in Prevention: Lessons Learned

1. Economic Supports
   • Expanding family supports like childcare and paid leave reduces stressors that contribute to violence.
   • Economic stability is prevention, and funding streams should reflect this connection.
2. Protective Environments
   • Policies and environmental design can make workplaces, schools, and communities safer.
   • Prevention must address both physical spaces and organizational cultures.
3. Social Norms
   • Campaigns that challenge harmful beliefs and uplift respect and equity are critical.
   • Prevention messaging must resonate with youth and diverse communities.
4. Messaging Prevention
   • Clear, culturally relevant communication strategies are needed to reach all audiences.
   • Prevention stories should highlight success as much as risk.
5. Health Equity
   • Equity must be embedded at every level, not treated as an “add-on.”
   • Communities most impacted by violence should guide program design and evaluation.
6. Grant Reporting & Metrics
   • Data should demonstrate not just compliance, but meaningful community impact.
   • Simplified reporting would allow staff to focus more on prevention than paperwork.
7. Project Metric Tracking
   • Tools for measuring progress must balance accountability with flexibility.
   • Tracking should include qualitative data — stories, experiences, and survivor voices.
8. Coordination Across Programs
   • Aligning efforts across DV, SA, youth, and Tribal programs strengthens prevention.
   • Partnerships reduce duplication and increase reach in communities.

Funding and Sustainability Moving Forward:  CDC representatives shared both the challenges and opportunities ahead. While prevention programs continue to face budget cuts and staffing shortages, there is also momentum in the President’s budget proposal for renewed funding in intimate partner and sexual violence prevention. The message was clear: prevention leaders must continue to advocate for sustained, flexible funding while also strengthening systems for data collection and reporting to show impact. Sustainability depends not only on resources, but also on strong partnerships and a commitment to equity.

Closing Reflection:  For the Alliance, this year’s Dialog was both affirming and motivating. We are grateful to share that the Alliance has once again been funded through the CDC’s RPE program, giving us the resources to continue our prevention work here in American Samoa. Over the next year, we will be carefully reviewing our scope of work to ensure we meet our grant requirements, while also engaging our community in meaningful, equity-driven prevention efforts.

Prevention is not just about compliance — it is about creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities. We invite you to follow us throughout the next year as we share updates, celebrate milestones, and continue the work of ending sexual violence in American Samoa.

Written by:  Jennifer F. Tofaeono, MBA
The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is proud to announce the continuation of the CDC Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program beginning July 1, 2025. This vital initiative will support a suite of sexual violence prevention strategies across American Samoa, grounded in community voice, cultural wisdom, and data-driven planning. The RPE program enhances our community’s capacity to prevent sexual violence through a public health approach. It centers equity, trauma-informed care, and community collaboration as essential pathways to reduce risk factors and promote protective environments.

Key Initiatives for 2025–20261. Talanoa Sessions: Listening to Underserved Voices
Our Talanoa Sessions will continue into the new fiscal year, focusing specifically on underserved communities such as Fa’afafine youth, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and outer island residents. These sessions gather input on lived experiences with sexual violence and highlight service gaps, cultural barriers, and opportunities for prevention. Community voices will guide our strategies and ensure cultural and linguistic relevance.
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"We don’t talk about it because it brings shame to our family. But if we stay silent, nothing will change." – Talanoa Participant, Leone
"I thought I was the only one. Hearing others share helped me realize I wasn’t alone." – Talanoa Participant, Fagatogo
"There needs to be more help out here for people like us. We’re too far from town to feel seen." – Talanoa Participant, Manu’a

2. RPE Partners Fair (Fall 2025)We will host the first-ever Sexual Violence RPE Partners Fair to bring together stakeholders from health care, law enforcement, education, non-profits, and village leadership. The fair will:

• Showcase available sexual assault services and resources
• Promote trauma-informed practices across partner sectors
• Offer networking opportunities to strengthen interagency response to victims

3. Sexual Assault Advocacy Training ConferenceIn early 2026, the Alliance will convene a training conference centered on advocating for survivors of sexual assault and rape. This gathering will offer intensive sessions on:

• Understanding trauma and the long-term effects of sexual violence
• Building survivor-centered advocacy
• Strengthening peer mentor and first responder skills

The training will be designed to empower advocates with culturally grounded tools and evidence-based practices.
4. Training State Health Department StaffThe Alliance will partner with the Department of Health to train public health professionals on:

• Sexual violence data collection and analysis techniques
• Integration of social determinants of health (SDOH) in prevention models
• Use of publicly available data tools like YRBSS, BRFSS, and NISVS

These sessions aim to improve surveillance efforts and inform policies that reflect the lived realities of our island populations.

Long-Term ImpactThese projects align with our RPE Logic Model goals to:

• Increase awareness about sexual violence and consent
• Strengthen cultural and policy shifts supporting survivors
• Expand trauma-informed services
• Build sustainable, community-rooted prevention networks

By centering fa’aSamoa, talanoa, and local leadership, we aim to dismantle harmful norms and create safe spaces where survivors are heard, supported, and empowered.
We thank the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our local partners for their continued trust. Together, we are weaving a future where prevention is not just a program—but a way of life.

To get involved in any of the above activities, contact us at: Alliance:  684-699-0272 or via email: [email protected], or [email protected]

Visit: www.asalliance.co

 Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director
n American Samoa, our cultural values of fa’aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love) teach us to care for one another. These values remind us to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Talking about sexual violence and rape can be difficult, but it is an important conversation we must continue to have.
At the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, we work to prevent sexual violence before it happens. One of the ways we do this is through the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program.

What is the CDC RPE Program?The CDC RPE Program provides funding to states and territories like American Samoa to support sexual violence prevention efforts. The goal is to stop violence before it starts by promoting safe, respectful relationships and strengthening protective community norms. Through this program, we offer prevention education, community outreach, and awareness campaigns that focus on changing the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to sexual violence. Our activities include working with schools, youth groups, churches, and families to promote healthy communication, consent, and safety.

Delays and Changes at the National Level Over the past few years, the RPE Program experienced delays and changes at the federal level, especially during the Trump Administration. Shifts in national funding priorities affected the timing of grants for many RPE programs across the United States and its territories, including American Samoa. As a result, our local RPE activities were temporarily put on hold. This delay was not due to actions taken here in American Samoa, but rather the result of decisions made at the federal level regarding how and when funding was distributed.

Continuing the Conversation in Our CommunityEven with the funding delays, our commitment to prevention has not stopped. During this time, we continued engaging with the community, especially focusing on conversations with men about their role in preventing sexual violence. We held dialogue sessions with men from different villages and community groups to talk openly about sexual assault, rape, and prevention education. These conversations were meaningful and provided valuable insight into how men and boys in American Samoa view their role in stopping violence.

We are pleased to announce that we will be sharing the findings from these discussions in the coming month. These findings will help shape our future prevention strategies and ensure that our programs remain culturally relevant and effective.

The Future of RPE in American Samoa. We have been informed that American Samoa will begin receiving CDC RPE funding again by July 2025. This means we will soon resume full implementation of our prevention programs.
Once the funding arrives, we will re-launch a variety of activities including:

• Community workshops focused on preventing sexual violence
• School-based education programs for youth and teachers
• Engagement activities for men and boys
• Culturally informed discussions about consent, respect, and safety

We are excited about the opportunity to continue this important work and to provide education and prevention resources to the people of American Samoa.
A Call to Support Our Upcoming ProjectsWe ask our community members to stay connected with us. Please look out for announcements about our upcoming programs and events. Your involvement makes a difference. By working together, we can build safer families, stronger villages, and a healthier American Samoa where everyone feels valued and protected.

For more information or to get involved, please contact:
American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Phone: (684) 699-0272
Website: www.asalliance.co

Written by:  Jennifer F. Tofaeono, Executive Dir

The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is proud to continue its work through the CDC’s Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program. This critical initiative is designed to stop sexual violence before it occurs—by addressing the root causes of rape, promoting healthy relationships, and advancing primary prevention strategies tailored to our unique cultural context.

It has been an honor to continue our work thru the CDC Rape Prevention & Education (RPE) Program.  The critical purpose of the grant is to stop sexual violence BEFORE it happens.  Thru our work we unpack conversations about the root causes of rape, we encourage promoting healthy relationships and advancing primary prevention strategies through the project to stop sexual violence before it happens.  All these approaches are designed to meet the needs of native Samoan indigenous people, and other Pasifika Islanders (i.e. Fijian, Tongan, Maori, etc) who reside in American Samoa.

At its core, the RPE Program supports community-based prevention, working with indigenous Samoan youth, families, educators, and community leaders to reshape attitudes and beliefs surrounding sexual assault. In American Samoa, the Alliance integrates Fa’aSamoa values—such as fa’aaloalo (respect), alofa (compassion), and tautua (service)—into all educational efforts to ensure messages are both culturally grounded and transformative.

Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, we continue to learn from our community about their views on sexual assault. These conversations reveal important insights: many still find it difficult to talk openly about rape, and some are unsure of how to support survivors or prevent harm. This feedback shapes the work we do. For example, we are developing more youth-centered workshops and increasing outreach through schools and churches, where trusted relationships can help break the silence and promote change.

The RPE Program also emphasizes the importance of bystander intervention, consent education, and the prevention of dating violence. These tools empower individuals to recognize unsafe situations, speak up, and support one another. Prevention education does not only protect future victims—it fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and healing.

By listening to our community and building prevention rooted in both research and tradition, we can shift harmful norms and reduce the risk of sexual violence in our homes, schools, and villages.
As we move forward, the Alliance remains committed to raising awareness, building resilience, and advancing healing through education. Let us continue this work together, guided by the Word—spoken with truth, shared with purpose, and lived through action.
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If you are interested in participating in a survey, interview, or focus group to share your voice and help shape our prevention efforts, we welcome your input. Please contact our Communications Department or Executive Director Jennifer Tofaeono at (684) 699-0272. Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Join us in creating a safer American Samoa for all.

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Chat AI
 
Since October the  Alliance Team has been talking with members of the community, and service providers to gather feedback o n health equity and rape prevention education in American Samoa.   What we have so far uncovered has provided us some interesting insights, where respondents provided information on challenges and strengths in our ability to address these critical issues in our island.   

In this article we share some of the key findings from  participants who shared their insights regarding health equity, and  the availability of healthcare services through Medicaid and outreach programs offering free vaccines and flu shots. However, equity remains a concern, particularly for immigrant residents who face higher healthcare costs. Cultural norms, such as prioritizing elders over individuals with urgent medical needs, and language barriers further complicate equitable access. For example, non-Samoan-speaking patients struggle to communicate effectively with medical professionals, leading to misdiagnoses and inadequate care.

Language barriers were repeatedly emphasized as a significant obstacle to accessing healthcare and understanding medical procedures. Additionally, cultural practices often discourage victims of sexual violence from seeking help due to fear of family embarrassment and societal stigma. These challenges perpetuate silence and unaddressed trauma, particularly in cases of incest or intimate partner violence.

When asked what their knowledge was of Rape Prevention Education in the Territory, they underscored the need for enhanced rape prevention education within the community. Suggestions included incorporating comprehensive sex education in schools and churches, focusing on consent, safe sex practices, and recognizing signs of sexual assault. Participants emphasized the importance of community awareness campaigns to dismantle misconceptions about sex education, such as the belief that it encourages sexual activity.

Cultural norms and generational attitudes were identified as barriers to victims seeking support. Despite the availability of resources, victims often face fear and shame that prevent them from accessing help. Workshops addressing mental health and substance abuse were noted as effective but insufficient; participants called for more programs to build community understanding and resilience.

Partners advocated for stronger partnerships between the hospital, law enforcement, and community organizations to enhance rape prevention and support services. The need for training first responders—police, medical personnel, and community leaders—was highlighted to ensure sensitive handling of cases and comprehensive support for victims. Schools, churches, and community groups were identified as critical venues for hosting workshops and raising awareness about rape prevention.

Actionable Recommendations-- (please note these are preliminary discussions)

1. Improve Access to Healthcare: Address affordability and accessibility for immigrants and marginalized groups by exploring policy changes and partnerships.
2. Reduce Language Barriers: Implement interpretation and translation services in healthcare settings to improve communication and understanding.
3. Enhance Rape Prevention Education: Integrate comprehensive sex education in school and church curricula, emphasizing consent and prevention.
4. Strengthen Support Networks: Train first responders and community leaders to provide victim-centered care and build trust in available resources.
5. Increase Resource Visibility: Disseminate information on rape prevention and support services through public spaces such as hospitals, buses, and schools.

What the Alliance will continue to do is gain feedback from community members and service providers the recent discussions underscores the urgency of addressing health equity and strengthening rape prevention education in American Samoa. By fostering partnerships, enhancing education, and reducing barriers, the CDC RPE team can work with local organizations to create a safer and more equitable community. The journey ahead will require collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to empowering all residents, particularly the most vulnerable.