Advancing Prevention: CDC Rape Prevention & Education (RPE) Program Funding Launches for FY 2025-2026

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