Will Spitzenberg, also known as "Coach Will", is the founder of Slimmer Stronger You (SSY), a Fitness program that provides the best science based exercise and nutrition program proven to help members improve health and win the war against obesity. SSY has teamed up with TAOA to encourage senior citizens to maximize mobility during isolation of COVID-19.  "Since we started the programs with TAOA group, I've noticed a difference with the TAOA members as they are getting healthier and stronger," shared Will. Mr. J who is 80 years old, and part of the program, "When Mr. J first came to SSY he couldn't go on the elliptical and after coming in for a few weeks he can do many things on his own with very little assistance. He looks a lot stronger and healthier and enjoys his workout time."

For elderly who are bound at home during COVID-19 Code Blue restrictions can begin to feel depression.   Will recommends these activities to minimize isolation at home by doing yard work, cleaning house or work on small projects around the house to stay active. Being mobil is crucial today, as well as it was in previous times with our ancestors who were active everyday all year around. This helped them to stay  slim, strong and live to old age.

Eating healthy is another key factor, such as local produce like taro, banana's, yams and local fish. Will has encourages members to follow  the Polynarian Diet that SSY created that is a return to our roots of eating like our ancestors.  He has witnessed by following this diet it will reverse obesity and many other ailments.   
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"The elderly that have joined SSY have improved in their health in many ways such as lower blood pressure, becoming stronger and gaining energy," per Will.  If you are a senior citizen and would like to join SSY, please contact the TAOA Office for more information, or follow SSY on Facebook at:  Slimmer Stronger You.
Thanks SSY !!!
written by:  Marilyn Ho Ching

​The American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence expresses our outrage over continued violence against the Black community.  We have observed heinous crimes against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade, murdered and added to generations of Blacks, and other people of colored communities who have been senselessly killed.  These acts of violence impact our Samoan communities.
February 1989, the Dole Family (Samoan) bridal shower, Cerritos, California.  100 Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies wearing riot gear stormed their residence.  Samoan’s were beaten with batons, as police officers stood over our Samoan men to harass them.   
 February 1991 in Compton, Ca, Pouvi Tualaulelei, thirty-four (34) years old and his brother Itali, twenty-two (22) were shot nineteen (19) times by responding Police Officer Skiles who was tried for his actions.  The jury ruled a mistrial, and local elder Papaliitele Alailima used the matai system to encourage our youth to protest peacefully.  Three peaceful protests were held by the Samoan Community.
On January 22, 2019 36-year-old Iosia Faletogo in Washington State made an improper lane change, and the license plate showed the registered owner had a suspended license.   During the videotape of the event, you can hear the police yell, “You’re going to get shot!”.    You can see Faletogo’s gun on the ground beside him, with several cops surrounding him.  A cop shouts, “He’s reaching”, and Faletogo says in a muffled voice, “I’m not reaching.” Seconds later gunshot is heard, as SPD officer Jared Keller shoots Faletogo in the head.
 We bear witness to these murders and are pained by these events.  It is time for all communities to gather to dismantle racism and forms of oppression that heinous acts.  When individuals or groups believe they have power over you, they believe they have the right to do anything to you. 
To combat these actions, the Alliance will continue to push our vision to see “Individuals live free of violence with equality, dignity and respect.”  We invite you to join us by creating and strengthening partnerships with leaders of government, community, public safety to commit.  We need to stop being complicit.    
Reach out and support friends and colleagues of color.  Talk to friends and family about racism, including implicit bias.  Let us begin to share what we know.  Engage our officials.  Call out racism and oppression when you see it.  It starts with us.  

            June 15, 2020 is World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).   American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence (aka Alliance) and partners across the world will join together to promote education and awareness regarding elderly abuse.  The increased number of senior populations in American Samoa makes it necessary to tackle elder abuse and neglect.   Elderly abuse is another form of domestic violence.  In October 17, 2018 Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga signed into law the American Samoa Administration Bill “Elderly and Disabled Adult Neglect, Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act”.  As caregivers it is seen to be a source of blessing to take care of our seniors, and this may be the reason why it is not discussed in our families, or homes.  This poses a problem when elderly abuse making it difficult to identify warning signs.  Notably, elders are a vulnerable population that deserves protection, and elderly abuse continues to grow in our homes. 
            According to Territorial Administration Office of Aging (TAOA) Director, Evelyn Satele Lilio, “the most common cases seen (of elder abuse) are self-neglect.”  There is an increased number of senior citizens who are suffering from dementia, and caregivers may not be equipped to care for these elders.  Increased frustration for caregivers happens, and is a real situation.  Frustration can increase as elders become increasingly frail, and are less able to take care of themselves.  Seniors may find themselves not remembering, making them more at risk or defenseless against caregivers. 
            Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm against an older adult it is important to understand tactics used by abusers.  A local advocate shared an incident during a house visit and was surprised to find an elderly woman was tied to a bed as family members went to work.  Samoa News has posted stories of financial stories, where abusers have stolen monies from their parents, or aunts, uncles, constituting elder abuse.  The bill that has been enacted defines actions such as neglect and exploitation of the elderly and disabled as abuse.  Other examples provided during a news interview with Dir Lilio “embezzling, or intentionally mismanaging the assets of the elderly and disabled, committing fraud in obtaining their appointments and failing to provide them care, supervision and services necessary to maintain their mental health.”
            If you are concerned about elder abuse the following are tips to help.  If you’re a caregiver its important you make time for wellness. Caregiving can be stressful and cause burnout.  To decrease stress, use physical exercise, meditation or breathing exercises, or ask a friend to provide support.  If you are a family member or friend of a caregiver, if at all possible, offer to provide needed breaks.  A simple check in to connect with caregiver as well as elder can help to decrease stress.  If you suspect someone is suffering from neglect, physical abuse, please share your concerns with caregivers.  For immediate attention, please contact 911. To learn more, you can connect with Territorial Administration on Aging Office, at 633-1251 or contact American Samoa Alliance at 699-0272 and we will refer you to an advocate for help and support.  
written by: Jennifer Tofaeono

As the designated dual coalition for American Samoa our purpose is to provide awareness and education about domestic and sexual violence. As the IT (Instructional Tech) Coordinator, along with the Program Specialist, Judy Matautia, it is our duty to provide support and technical assistance for direct service providers as well as educate the community. We do this by exploring their needs to strengthen their work with victims of violence.  

One way is our  “Talanoa Talk Tables” where we discuss with community members their views or concerns about violence, or developing healthy relationships in American Samoa to strengthen families. We host community meetings to promote education and awareness about domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. This requires scheduling meetings for face to face education, and discussion. A year ago our team decided to try a new approach, of using technology platforms to provide information on prevention and awareness.   
   
We began to explore and delve into various social media platforms such as Facebook, Youtube, Anchor, Constant Contact, Zoom, etc.  For me, this was overwhelming because I am old school and stuck in my ways.  I had to push myself to get familiar with technology.  I would say I learned more from trying.  I experimented, and my favorite is always to, “Google it.” It was like learning to type or use a computer all over again.  It was a challenge, believe me there was a lot of trial and error.  The rewards have been greater as we are providing podcasts and webinars and online meetings and so much more. 

Fast forward to COVID-19 pandemic, and the Governor’s Declaration of Public Emergency to Code Blue status,  it’s pushing many to be more tech savvy, but I’m proud to say the work we have been doing for the last year using media, digital platforms has prepared us for a season such as this.  

Our aim is to create social change.  We are shifting the attitudes and behaviors that our society has regarding violence against women, and all genders.  Part of change is to find new ways to get the information to our community.  We recognize not everyone in American Samoa has social media or internet, and for this reason you will see us in our News, our local television and cable stations, as we well as hosting quarterly community training after COVID-19.  Please join our webinars and podcasts!  Share with us what you would like to hear about, or from whom you want to hear from. 

We look forward to seeing you there!
edited by: Jtofaeono 05/15/2020

Over the recent months I have been asked, “Why is there an increase in Domestic Violence and Sexual assault cases.”  My answer, “More victims are reporting.  It has always existed, but their stories were never told.”
 In 2019 the Alliance asked survivors questions about their journey, and nine (9) women were willing to share their story.  Of the nine first-experiences, only one abuser was arrested.  When asked “Why were the police not involved?” one victim stated she did not think it was warranted, another said, she was “too scared of the perpetrator and didn’t want to bring shame” to her family.  She felt the situation was her fault.  Another stated, “I didn’t know what to feel or do, it was complete confusion.” The victim shared the experience was embarrassing, as well as concern for what others would think of her.  She stated, “It was like deep loneliness as this to be brought upon one (person) and I had a fear of everyone and everything—the incident took my mind into a blank space and emptiness.”

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault have a higher risk of experiencing multitude of mental health conditions.  Studies show Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is seven times higher in victims of domestic and sexual violence.  Depression is 2.7 times greater, anxiety four times greater and drug-alcohol misuse six times greater.  Victims are 3.5 times greater to have suicidal thoughts than those who have not experienced violence.  During acts of violence (domestic or sexual), the abuser will commonly be remorseful and apologize for their actions, which is often referred to as the “honeymoon” period and supports the cycle of abuse.  These cycles of physical and emotional pressure impact the mental and physical well-being. 

This was evident in our findings with our local survivors as respondents were unable to cope with their experiences and did not know where to find the appropriate support to make decisions.  A nineteen (19) year old sexual assault victim shared, “Three of the guys were my brother-in-law’s first cousins (brothers) and three were friends of theirs so my brain was not all there.”  Additionally, she did not want her parents to find out.  She only told her sister in fear of retaliation. The incident was “swept under the rug”.  Another victim of domestic violence—beaten by her husband kept pictures of the bruises with the intention of reporting him but decided to divorce him instead.  When the women were asked why they didn’t take their cases to court the overwhelming response pointed towards self-preservation:  “I didn’t want to start a fuss or talk about it:  it was easier to ignore,” or “I didn’t want to see this guy that did this to me and add on to that—it was for my own safety.”
 
I have been asked, “How do we stop the violence?”, and the answer is extremely complex. Mindsets must be changed for the community.  I follow up with the question: “How do we help our victims get to healing?”  There are simple things we can all do to make a difference for a victim.  We can let them know, “I believe you, and support you.” There are a higher number of victims of violence that report, versus victims who falsely report.  Teaching our first responders how to engage with victims of domestic and sexual assault, as the victims in our survey stated when the police were called, they felt they (victims) were too crazy, and did not make an arrest .  In a training I attend with Honolulu Police Officers, they are taught to let the evidence be the determining factor, and not the comments about the victim sway—focus on the facts of the case.   Our healthcare providers can be taught how to ask appropriate questions from their patients to disclose abuse—to ensure they get the needed services.  It’s about making stronger systems to getting support faster.  A greater awareness of the relationship between domestic abuse and sexual assault, and mental health will help people get the support they need quicker.

During the month of May, the Alliance will hold Webinar’s regarding Wellness, focusing on tips to achieve mental wellness.  They are simple, not complexed and we encourage the community to participate.  We will continue to host “Talanoa Tables” to learn from the community, while practicing social distancing.  If you are interested and would like more information please contact our office at 699-0272 and ask for Judy Matautia, or email: asadsv@gmail.com

For more information regarding the report, “Defining an Effective Response to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in American Samoa” visit our resources page.
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A few months back I attended a Department of Safety (DPS) Shift Christmas Party. I was ecstatic to celebrate with the  “Big guys” and the “Big Girls”. Police officers are the good guys, the guys who enforce the laws and help keep our community safe. I held them up to high standards and had nothing but respect for them because of their line of work.
However, this party portrayed a different perspective than what I believed to be true. The incidents that occurred that night changed my perspective. Throughout the evening I witnessed firsthand bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, gender inequality, lack of respect, lack of security and lack of discipline.  I thought, "Maybe this is what they were taught?." I told my friends of my concerns and how I did not feel safe at the party. Her response caused in me great sadness.

I learned that they're trained to be that way. During their Academy training they learned  this type of conduct as a means to toughen up. This learning approach has been used many times  focused on fear based training or warrior style training.  Jacob Frey, Minneapolis Mayor stated, “Warrior-style” training takes a fear-based approach to policing that prioritizes officer safety over community safety by conditioning trainees to view all encounters as inherently dangerous."  In other words this form of training encourages cops to be fearful in all situations, therefore not trusting in any situation. Frey's statement reveals  the strength of police officers is to support each other due to difficult situations they deal with every day. Working as a cop implies you are a member of a close group. Regardless of where you work, your law enforcement partners become like a second family, offering help all through your profession and after leaving.  It all sounds good, but what I saw that night were all the negatives of fear based training.

A victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and/or sexual assault, dealing with a police officer with warrior style training  can cause more harm.  In discussions with victims of domestic and sexual violence in American Samoa it was noted out of nine (9) victims who were interviewed only one (1) contacted the police, where the abuser was arrested.  One victim stated, "I was too scared of the perpetrator, and I didn't want to bring shame upon my family."  We need those who are there to protect us, to believe us.  For a victim this is asking police officers, "Be thorough in your investigation."  Examine both sides of the story, look at the evidence and make your decisions based on the evidence presented, not with how you feel.  Making sure to collect the evidence, like taking photos, or making sure the victim obtains medical care, Just as important is to make a risk assessment of the situation. Provide safety planning for a victim can be essential. 
 
I guess what I'm saying is...I understand the Warrior style mentality.  It can sometimes help them create safe working environment when you're placing your life on the line every day.  Police officers are exposed to bad things every single day. They get used to it and don’t realize it, but over time the effects build up.  Warrior style mentality offers only one style of law enforcement training.  Training can be focused on wellness.  Working through wellness can help create a trusted and open work environment among employers and employees. Participating in wellness can help Police Officers share what they go through or experience on duty and how they can help each other. Another alternative is to offer mental health services for Police Officers when they are exposed to terrible situations on a daily bases.  The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is aware that cops work in environments where bad things happen. Accordingly, NIJ developed the Safety, Health, and Wellness Strategic Research Plan to describe its current and projected efforts to advance the security, well being, and health of people who work in or are influenced by the criminal equity framework. The plan states that “the focus on stress, trauma, and suicide and self-harm prevention cuts across demographic areas highlighting the importance of promoting research of these topics within the criminal justice system.” - James Dawson

Although there are no solid alternatives for fear based training, these healthy ways can aid in finding a solution that can more properly train police officers. This can result in creating a healthy work place among police officers and improved approaches for victims of domestic and sexual violence.