American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence

Tusitala

This project was supported by annual awards by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S., Department of Justice, and by Family Violence Prevention and Services.  The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

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9/21/2023

Partners Community Fair

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​​​PARTNER’S COMMUNITY FAIR
Culture, Community & Connection :
”ROOTED IN RESILIENCE, CULTIVATING CHANGE & NURTURING LIVES”

The office of the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
(Alliance) and the Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA) hosted its
first Partners Community Fair (PCF) on September 22, 2023. The fair was an
opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of collective action and
partnership among organizations and community members in addressing the
challenges facing the community, learn more about these issues and how to
prevent them.

With over 30 vendors, the fair showcased the different services and programs
available in the community with the intent of “empowering individuals and the
community through collaboration, promoting resiliency, and strengthening
capacity to eliminate Domestic and Sexual Violence.” The fair also, “empowered
and inspired the youth and women through nurturance, training, support and
development.”

One of the highlights of the fair was the focus on mental health and wellness.
There were workshops on CPR, art therapy, and an information booth on suicide
prevention awareness. These workshops were a great opportunity for people to
learn about the importance of mental health and wellness, and to know who and
where to get help if they are struggling.

Our logo of the fair includes 3 important symbols- the coconut tree, the canoe
and people. The canoe and people signify the partnership of the Alliance and
DYWA. The coconut tree, known as the "tree of life," represents strength,
versatility, and the abundance of resources it provides. By drawing a connection
between the coconut tree and the fair's theme, the slogan emphasizes the idea of
resilience, vitality, provision of essential resources, growth, and community-
driven change. All of which sums up into, “Community, Culture & Connection.”
The slogan conveys the following messages:

PARTNER’S COMMUNITY FAIR

1. Rooted in Resilience: Highlighting the resilience of survivors and the
community's determination to overcome domestic and sexual violence. It signifies
strength and the ability to withstand challenges.

2. Cultivating Change: Emphasizes the fair's mission to cultivate positive change
in the community. It reflects the collective efforts to create a safer and more
supportive community.

3. Nurturing lives: the idea of nurturing and supporting survivors, emphasizing
the importance of providing care, resources, and empowerment to those affected
by violence.

This event suggests the need to extend support, resources, and awareness to
create a positive impact. The coconut tree holds a significant cultural and
economic value in many communities, earning it the nickname "tree of life" for its
integral role in supporting livelihoods, providing sustenance, and offering various
resources for survival and well-being. Just as the coconut tree provides essential
resources, the fair aimed to provide vital support, education, and empowerment
to survivors and the community.

We are truly grateful for all our partners involved to help strengthen our
community and make it a better place to live.
  • Department of Youth & Women Affairs (DYWA)
  • Legal Aid
  • Department of Human & Social Services (DHSS)
  • Pae ma Auli
  • Parents of Children with Special Needs (PCSN)
  • LBJ Family Planning
  • Red Cross
  • Department of Education (DOE) – Guidance & Counseling
  • American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition (ASCCC)
  • Mary Anne Peck: Writing & Workshops
  • American Samoa Community College
  • Intersections, Inc,
  • Foeoletine Foundation
  • Americorp
  • 93 KHJ
  • V103
  • Tautua Samoa: Mental Health & Wellness Resource Center
  • Veterans Affairs: (Dr Jueta McCutchan Tofaeono/Robert Toelupe/IPVAP)
  • Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA)
  • American Samoa Visitors Bureau
  • Ola Malosi Fit
  • Department of Public Safety (DPS): Criminal Investigation Division
  • Department of Agriculture (DoA)
  • Department of Health: Suicide Prevention
  • Wellness Checks: Heart Month
  • Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC)
  • Roji’s Jewelry & EJ’s Iced Coffee (Banana bread)
  • Nature’s Educational Laboratory of American Samoa (NELAS)
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • Office of Protection & Advocacy (OPAD)
  • RJ’s Coffee & Tea’ing
  • Viola’s Kitchen
  • Tiri’s Chamangos
  • Pac Sales


   **Special thanks to-
  • Tradewinds Hotel
  • SOPAC Inc.

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9/21/2023

It Takes a Village

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Written by: Vatauomalotetele Fanene
“It takes a village.”
You are loved.
You are worthy.
You are important.
You are enough.
Keep fighting.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of
the importance of mental health and to remember those who have lost their lives to
suicide.

A member of our community shared in a Facebook post her connection of
spreading suicide prevention awareness with the Samoan tradition of the siva afi
(fire dance). She shared insights on how in Samoa, the word afi means fire. The
song "Ua alu atu le afi" means the light is coming. This song is a reminder that
there is always hope, even in the darkest of times. -

In our culture, there is a strong emphasis on community and support. We are all
connected to each other, and we all have a role to play in preventing suicide. We
can be the light in someone's darkness by being there for them, listening to them,
and offering them support. We can also learn about mental health issues, such as
PTSD, anxiety and depression, so that we can better understand what our loved
ones are going through.

"It takes a village to raise a child." But it also takes a village to heal a child.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone.
There are people who care about you and want to help. Please reach out to a friend,
family member, or mental health professional. There is help available, and you can
get through this.

For Samoans, suicide is a particularly pressing issue. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates among Samoan Americans
are more than twice as high as the national average. This is a significant disparity,
and it highlights the need for culturally specific suicide prevention efforts.

Samoan culture is a rich and vibrant one, and it has a lot to offer in terms of suicide
prevention. For example, the Samoan concept of fa'aaloalo (respect) emphasizes
the importance of showing respect for others, regardless of their differences. This
principle can be used to create a more inclusive and supportive community, which
can help to reduce the risk of suicide.

Another important Samoan value is alofa (love). Alofa is a deep and abiding love
that extends to all members of the community. This principle can be used to create
a sense of belonging and connection, which can help to protect people from feeling
isolated and alone.

Finally, the Samoan concept of tautua (service) emphasizes the importance of
giving back to the community. This principle can be used to encourage people to
get involved in suicide prevention efforts, and it can also help to create a sense of
purpose and meaning in life.

By incorporating these Samoan values into suicide prevention efforts, we can
create a more supportive and inclusive community that can help to reduce the risk
of suicide. We can also use these values to help people who are struggling with
suicidal thoughts to find hope and healing.

There have been cases of suicide here in our community of young people, our
youth. As a community, what can we do? Light your fire. Be their light. Keep it
burning. For those who are struggling, “ua alu atu le afi”, the light is coming. Keep
holding on. Be the village, be the light for that “one”.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out
for help. There are many resources available, including the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You are not alone.

In case no one told you today-
You are loved.
You are worthy.
You are needed.
You are enough.
You are alive for a reason.
You are stronger than you think.

You are going to get through this.
Don't give up.

May we remember in our hearts, all those we have lost to suicide. Let’s continue to
listen with no judgements, lift in spirits and love with sincerity for those who are
fighting to stay with us.

*For more information on suicide prevention awareness, contact the Alliance
office at 684-699-0272.
**If someone you know is in danger or is attempting suicide, CALL 911.

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9/19/2023

Turning Tragedy into Opportunity

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Submitted by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME 

"Tragedy is a tool for the living to gain wisdom, not a guide by which to live."  --Robert Kennedy

A crisis, a critical moment in time, often creates opportunities for deepening emotional turmoil and widening social division.  As we struggle to understand why ‘bad things happen to good people’, reason may turn to blame. Rather than looking for the ‘why’ we become fixed on the ‘who, how, when’ and lament our inability to make things right.

Crisis also creates opportunities for transforming community in a good way.  Leadership, community engagement, employing strategies of well-being are key factors in turning tragedy into opportunity.  

Trauma, the emotional impact of tragedy, leads us through periods of mourning, anger, healing, and hopefully positive action.  They may be experienced all at once, in large or small doses, sporadically over time – every person is unique.  The key is to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. The ‘light’ is unique to everyone, representing a breath of fresh air, a warm ray of sun, a smile . . . hope.
Hope fuels the journey. Hope gives us perspective.  
As we traverse the trauma of domestic violence, understand that a single incident forced upon our awareness is a tragedy we can choose to respond to in ways that can create good.  It is an opportunity to act. It is an opportunity to help the children and families directly impacted, and to address the violence we see in our everyday lives.  It is an opportunity to ask the hard questions of leadership, to report on the drug dealers not just the drug users, to call the police when someone is being beaten, to show up at court as a witness.  It is an opportunity to uncover the tragedies happening in our everyday lives, not just those that make the news.  By that time, it’s too late.
Click the link below for inspiration.
https://youtu.be/96gwigNMEwo?si=Hxxy0iIRv2LpDePj
​

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9/18/2023

Working together to Identify Victims of Domestic Violence in American Samoa and Finding Support

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Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director
​     While traveling in the U.S. to share our work with the Fa’afafine community regarding domestic and sexual violence I received a text from my team about a domestic violence fatality that occurred on September 5, 2023.  Samoa news reported the victim was dedicated mother to her children and husband, as shared by her church member.  This is not the first story we have read in our community about an abuser and the death of the victim.  Domestic disputes and abuse are reported in our newspapers, online social media, shared in works spaces, church spaces, school spaces, as the chatter about the victim and abuser spreads through our community quickly. 
     Domestic violence exists and is found in many families in American Samoa. Samoan studies show nine out of 10 Samoan women have experienced physical or emotional violence at hands of family members, 6 out of 10 experience intimate partner violence (1) .  It is evident Domestic Violence impacts our community in extremely real ways. Domestic violence can negatively impact people’s thoughts, and behaviors that can lead to creating mental instability for victims.  Studies show increased anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms are found among survivors of domestic violence.
      What does a victim look like in American Samoa?  They are Samoan, Filipino, Korean, Tongan, Fijian.  They are any Race.  They are a baby or a  senior citizen.  They are any sexual orientation from male, female to fa’afafine.  They practice any religion, from London Misionary Society (LMS), Catholic, Methodist, and Mormon.  They are married, living together, divorced, single or dating.  They are educated, graduating with a doctorate, a masters, a bachelors, a high school diploma, entering high school, elementary, or never have been educated.  They are poor or rich, they are our family members, friends, or strangers.  They are husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend.  Abuse does not discriminate, and leaves a devastating emotional toll on victims, family members, and community.
     For victims of domestic violence, finding assistance and support can be complex.  The American Samoa Alliance recognizes our local victim advocacy, and partners who work tirelessly to eliminate domestic violence in our communities.  One such space is the community coordinated response (CCR) team led by Mona Uli, from Back on Track.  The CCR team discusses the impact of domestic violence on families, and in this case the focus is “how do we as a community deal with these critical issues impacting families”. Core discussions center on creating safe spaces, to allow people to just “be”, to promote healing and rebuilding from traumatic incidents.  The group creates toolboxes of resources to share with families, describing community organizations and their services to support victims’ needs that will help create safe spaces. Our government recognized the importance of combating domestic violence by creating the Domestic Violence Advisory Team to help victims, and support policy changes.  The Alliance and its partners continue to educate promoting awareness and prevention in the community about the impact of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and dating.  Our reach has expanded as we continue to partner with organizations locally, and afar to help promote discussions on how to stop abuse in the spaces we reside.
      I am asked time and time again; how do we end domestic violence in our community.  My answer is the same.  We must continue to learn more about domestic violence, what it looks like, how it operates in our community,  how we can strengthen families to make change, and learn how to heal. We can find strength in working together and providing support to victims to improve healing in our community. I challenge our community to continue to learn every day, make simple changes.
     If you find you are a victim or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, please contact Department of Human & Social Services for assistance.  You can connect with local offices such as Back on Track, or Catholic Social Services. You can also contact our office at 699-0272 for assistance and we will help get you to the right place for help.  

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8/31/2023

Women's Equality Month Unpacking Gender Inequality, and Domestic Violence

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Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director, AS Alliance
August is gender equality month.  Over the past few years, we have witnessed great strides in Gender Equality.  In the US we voted in our first Black and first South Asian Vice President, Ms. Kamala Harris.  The first woman and first African led the World Trade Organization, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.  Countries were able to change their child marriage laws, by disallowing children under 15 to marry, and requiring consent by young girls.  If consent was not provided, the marriage could be invalidated.  As of 2023 it is reported at least 11.3 percent of countries have Heads of State, and 9.8 percent have females leading the government.  In American Samoa our Congresswoman is Mrs. Amata Radewagen.  American Samoa Community College is led by Dr. Rosevonne Pato.  Development Bank DBAS Director is Ms.  Ruth Matagi, and Criminal Justice Director is  Mrs Mariana Faiai.  World policies regarding gender equality, and human rights are led primarily by women, but even with these wins, gender equality is predicted to be accomplished in 300 years.
Gender equality is crucial for our community.  It is important to understand gender equality does not mean we are asking that men and women rights are the same.  We are asking for the rights, duties and provisions provided is not determined based on sex, male, female.  Gender equality is a request for fairness of treatment for all gender.  Gender equality is not met, when men are paid more than for the same occupation.  Women should have the same comparable pay as men when performing the same work.  Women are often labeled the “weaker sex”, which often prohibits women to steer their choices in future careers.  Yet many women face family violence in their marriages, and home.  Laughing Samoan comedian, Ete shared the first time he hit his wife, was while driving in the car and punching her face.  He expressed in the beginning of his marriage there were disagreements about his role of being the protector.  When he disagreed with his wife, he lashed out by beating her.  By sharing his story and the healing between he and his wife, it provides hope that we can end gender-based violence.
Here are some things that you can do to end gender-based violence.  Listen to and believe survivors.  A woman who shares here story of violence can be her first step to ending the cycle of abuse.  You can support victim by reminding them they are in a safe space.  Tell them you hear them, and believe them—let them know they are safe.  It is important that we share with our young people the appropriate ways to treat each other.  Empower them to listen, learn gain information about how to disengage with each other and not cause violence.  Most importantly we must all learn about consent and support those who do not provide their consent.  When someone says no, we need to actively hear them.  We all most look out for the signs of abuse, and learn how to help.  If you think someone is being abused, or if you are being abused, help is available.  Talk to a trained advocate, a helpline but find someone you can get help.  Lastly, talk about violence against all gender, women, girls, transwomen, fa’afafine, etc.  We cannot stay silent.  You can show your activism by posting about it on your facebook page, or share it with your friends.  Read about women’s based rights, and do not stay silent.
 
Reference:
N.A.  2023 Importance of Gender Equality retrieved from : Importance of Gender Equality - Free Essay Example - 1611 Words | StudyDriver.com
Subrmaniam, T.  2023.  Gender Equality will take 300 years to achieve, Un Chief warns.  Retrieved 8/31/2023 from: Gender equality will take 300 years to achieve, UN chief warns | CNN
Laughing Samoan Ete and Wife Mele Share their Story of Family Violence retrieved from video: Laughing Samoan Ete and wife Mele share their story of family violence - Bing video
 

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8/30/2023

Women's Equality Month: Empowering Voices in American Samoa!

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Written by: Vatauomalotetele Fanene

August 26th is known nationally as Women's Equality Day, a special occasion dedicated to honoring the progress made towards achieving gender equality. Let's shine a light on the incredible women of American Samoa and the importance of striving for equality in their lives and beyond.
American Samoa being a vibrant and diverse community, it is home to countless remarkable women who contribute their talents, skills, and wisdom to the fabric of society. They are leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and so much more. Women have always played a vital role in American Samoa and Samoan culture. They have been the backbone of the family, the community, and the economy. In recent years, women have made great strides in education, employment, and politics. Together, they shape the present and future of our island.
One of the most important roles that women play in our community is as mothers and caregivers. They are responsible for raising the next generation of Samoans and instilling in them the values of our culture. Women are also the primary caregivers for the elderly and the sick. They provide love, support, and care for their families, often at the expense of their own needs.
In addition to their roles in the family, women also play a vital role in the community. They are active in churches, schools, and community organizations. They are also the driving force behind many small businesses. Women are also increasingly entering the workforce and making significant contributions to the economy.
But let's also acknowledge that there is still work to be done. Women's Equality Day reminds us that achieving true gender equality requires breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating inclusive spaces. By advocating for women's rights and empowering women in American Samoa, we can foster a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Despite the progress that has been made, women in American Samoa still face many challenges. They are more likely to live in poverty than men, and they are less likely to have access to education and employment opportunities. They are also more likely to be victims of violence and abuse. By recognizing the importance of women in Samoan culture and society, we can take steps to address these challenges and create a more just and equitable society for all.

Let's honor the women of American Samoa who have paved the way for progress and change. Let's listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and learn from their experiences. Together, we can create a future where every woman is respected, valued, and given the opportunity to fulfill her dreams.
Together, let's build a world where gender should never be a barrier to success, and where equality and respect are the guiding principles for all.
Here are some specific ways that we can celebrate Women Equality Awareness Day:
* *Educate ourselves about the challenges that women face in American Samoa and around the world.*
* *Support organizations that work to promote gender equality.*
* *Encourage women to pursue their education and careers.*
* *Speak out against violence and abuse against women.*
* *Be allies to women in our lives.*
By taking these steps, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all women.

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8/29/2023

Rape Prevention & Education: Building Coalition Capacity to Advance Primary Prevention and Health Equity.

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written by: Luana Scanlan 
On July 31, 2023, the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual
Violence received from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
a grant of $125,830 to conduct a Primary Prevention Capacity Assessment to enhance and
expand primary prevention and health equity work in American Samoa.
This is a 12-month project ending August 1, 2024, at which time the Alliance is expected to
deliver the following outcomes:
1 – increased understanding of our staff’s expertise and available resources to address sexual
violence
2 – increased understanding of available data sources used to identify populations in our
community who are experiencing health disparities
3 – increased understanding of current partnerships and how these are/are not meeting
primary prevention and health equity work needs
4 – increased understanding of current technical assistance provision and how well it
incorporates health equity.
The Alliance is required to use the outcome data to produce recommendations and action steps to advance sexual violence primary prevention activities that also address health inequities.
Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their
highest level of health (CDC, 2023). In contrast, a health disparity or inequity is the preventable higher risk for disease, or less opportunities to achieve the highest level of health, by people who are disadvantaged by their social or economic status, where they live, and/or their environment.
We invite our service providers and organizational partners to participate in the upcoming
talanoa to assess these issues! Safety is our primary concern – your consent will be requested, and your responses will be reported in anonymity. The resulting data will provide evidence to inform our collective efforts to stop sexual violence before it happens in our community!

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8/29/2023

​SE AGANU’U EA O SAUAGA?

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​Tusia: Judy Mata’utia
O le aganu’u e mafai ona faauigaina faapea o manatu, tu ma aga, ma amioga faa-agafeso’ota’i o se vaega o tagata, po’o se atunu’u. I le avea ai o tatou ma tagata Samoa, oi tatou o ni tagata e mitamita, aemaise
lava I le tatou aganu’u. Tatou te faataitaia, faatinoina ma tatou faalauiloaina.
Ae faafefea la sauaga? O fea e sau ai sauaga, ae aisea e mafua ai, ae po’o se vaega o le tatou aganu’u,
aemaise o sauaga e faasaga I tama’ita’i, fanau ma i latou e vaivai? Afai o le tulaga lea, ua tatau loa la ona suia
le tatou tala faamatala, tala faasolo, tala faifai pea, tala feavea’i, po’o le tala faasolopito o tagata Samoa!
O mea e tutupu ma tula’i mai, o ripoti ma suesuega, o faamatalaga ma faamaumauga, e faaalia mai ai se
ata o le tatou lotoifale, atonu tatou te le mitamita e faatalanoaina lea tulaga. Ae atonu o se mea sese tele lea, aua
I le avea ai o tatou o se nu’u, o se aiga, o tagata ta’itasi, e tatau ona mafai ona tatou faatalanoaina lea tulaga. E
le mafai ona foia se faafitauli sei vagana ua talia ma faailoa e iai se faafitauli. O le tele o tatou, o le tatou
vavevave ia I luga o le upega tafa’ilagi ma faaalia o tatou manatu ma lagona I mataupu e faatatau I sauaga faale-
itupa, ma pei e faaalia ma faafoliga mai tatou te le taliaina ia faiga. Ae pe moni ea lea tulaga, pei o se galu foi
lea na’o na faafua ae le fati?
O lo’o tula’I mai foi faafitauli ogaoga I le soifua maloloina o tama’ita’i Samoa o lo’o feagai ma sauaga.
O lo’o faapea mai faamaumauga a le malo aufaatasi, o tama’ita’i Samoa ua a’afia I se mafutaga ma se paaga, e
46% oi latou nei ua a’afia I se tasi po’o le tele foi o ituaiga sauaga e faia e se paaga. O sauaga faale-tino o le
ituaiga sauaga ta’atele lea ma e 38% o tama’ita’i Samoa ua a’afia, soso’o ai le 20% o sauaga tau feusuaiga ma
sauaga faale-lagona e 19%. Mai latou e a’afia I sauaga faaletino, e 30% oi latou na ripotia nei sauaga ua a’afia
ai manuaga o le tino. Mai latou na ripotia le sauaina I sauaga faale-tino mai se paaga, e 24% oi latou nei sa ta
tu’I, fekiki pe na sauaina ao ma’I taga, ma oi latou o lo’o faia sauaga nei o le tama lava o le pepe lea e le’i fanau
mai. Mai tama’ita’i uma na ripotia mai le a’afia I sauaga e 78% ua a’afia I sauaga faalotoifale, 11% ua a’afia I
sauaga tau feusuaiga, ma e 11% na a’afia pe na faia iai ni faiga faao’olima mataga.1
Pe tusa ma le 97% o tama’ita’i ua a’afia I sauaga faalotoifale, latou te le’I ripotia o latou sauaga I leoleo,
ma e 36% oi latou nei latou te le’i ripotia ona sa latou faapea o tulaga nei o tulaga na’o le va lava o le tane ma
lana ava, 8% e le’i riporia ona faapea o le’o se tulaga matuia ma e 7% e le’i ripotia ona e sili atu ma
faatumauina pea le alofa I le toalua. Mai latou nei e 96% o le e faia sauaga o ta’i toalua o nei tama’ita’i. Pe
tusa ma le 70% o tama’ita’i e iai le latou manatu e faapea e iai le alaga tatau e sauaina ai e alii o latou ta’i
toalua.2
E tatau ia’i tatou o tagata Samoa ona faia se suiga e le na’o le tatou faailoa ma faafoliga se suiga ae ia
faia se galuega po’o se faatinoga o suiga, ona o le mea e tatau ona faia, ma o lo’o faia uma e le lalolagi atoa,
aemaise ona e tutusa o tatou talitonuga, o sauaga e le’o se vaega o le tatou aganuu. E tatau ona tatou auai I
suiga ona e le tatau ona sauaina o tatou tina ma tama’ita’i, e tatau ona tatou auai ina ia puipuia o tatou fanau. O
suiga e amata mai totonu o tatou aiga, ma e mafai ona tatou oo atu ono faia suiga I se tulaga faale-malo, pe afai
e amata ona tatou talanoaina tulaga ma mataupu nei I totonu o le tatou lotoifale, aiga ma I totonu o nuu ma
afioaga ta’itasi. O le faafitauli o sauaga faale-itupa e le’o se faafitauli tau na’o tama’ita’i, ae o se faafitauli e
tula’I mai I totonu o aiga uma, tagata uma, le tatou atunuu atoa ma le tatou aganuu.

1. https://thecommonwealth.org/news/blog-samoas-response-violence-against-women-and-girls-can-guide-other-
countries#: ~:text=Almost%20nine%20in%2010%20Samoan, five%20women%20has%20been%20raped.

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8/29/2023

Fostering Resilience Through Writing

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Written by:  Mary Peck, Malaga Creative Co.
 In American Samoa and many other remote and rural areas, there is
limited access to mental health services. For survivors of domestic and sexual violence in American Samoa who are dealing with mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), practicing self-care routines and resilience-building skills is vital. 


One such skill for developing resiliency in the face of adversity is writing.  
What is Resilience? According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to internal and external demands.” 

In short, the focus of resilience is not on what traumatic or challenging incidents have occurred in a person’s life. Resilience is about how a person and a community can adapt to difficulties and what tools they can use to overcome adversity. 
Resilience for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual ViolenceThe American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence routinely offers programs aimed at fostering resilience and helping survivors of violence to develop skills that lead to resilience and healing. 

These programs include art and music workshops, webinars, radio interviews and announcements, and more. Each community program provides opportunities for survivors, community partners, and advocates to connect and develop skills that can improve resiliency and promote healing. 
Ways to Build Resilience Through Writing There are many ways to build resilience through writing. The beauty of writing is that it does not require extensive materials or time. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t require perfect grammar or awards or crowds of fans and readers. 

All you need to write is a piece of paper and a pen. Or a laptop and a Google doc. Or even the Notes app on your phone. 

With minimal materials, you can work towards a variety of goals, including knowing yourself, exploring the past, and centering yourself in the present. 
Writing to Know Yourself BetterA traumatic event can shift a person’s sense of their own identity. One way that writing can help to build resiliency is to help you to rediscover who you are. 

Writing provides you with ways to creatively express your thoughts and feelings and identify healthier ways of thinking as you heal from a traumatic event. 
Writing to Explore the Past One issue that plagues many survivors of domestic and sexual violence is victim blaming. Victim blaming occurs when people place the blame for an assault on the victim instead of the perpetrator. 

Writing is one way that survivors can reclaim the narrative of what happened, especially if they are dealing with victim blaming. 
Writing to Center Yourself in the PresentMindfulness practices have been shown to improve resiliency in the face of adversity. Through mindfulness practices such as meditation, you can center yourself in the present. 

Some writing practices, such as stream of consciousness writing, can help you to focus on the present and build resilience. 
The Healing Through Writing WorkshopThe American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has partnered with Malaga Creative Co. to offer the Healing Through Writing Workshop. This workshop helps participants to explore the ways that mindfulness and writing can increase their resilience. 

There are many types of writing covered in the three-day workshop, including stream of consciousness writing, reflective journaling with prompts, gratitude journaling, and creative writing through poetry. 
Stream of Consciousness Writing Stream of consciousness writing is the process of writing your thoughts exactly as they occur in your head. These thoughts are not to be censored or judged as “good” or “bad.” What you write doesn’t have to be complete sentences, or even fully coherent. 

What matters is that you write the reality of your thoughts as they occur. 

This writing exercise is meant to ground you in the present and give you a glimpse into the inner workings of your own mind. For some people, stream of consciousness writing is a way to identify negative thought patterns. For others, it is a complement to a mindfulness routine. 
Reflective Journaling with Prompts Another type of writing covered in the Healing​​ Through Writing workshop is reflective journaling with prompts. These prompts are meant to help participants to explore specific memories, thought patterns, and beliefs. 

Some examples of journal prompts to use for this exercise include: 
  • What does “strength” mean to you? 
  • How do past traumas impact your day-to-day life? 
  • What parts of yourself do you have a hard time loving or accepting? 
  • What are the most important things you have learned from past relationships? 

These prompts, along with others, can help survivors to develop resiliency in the aftermath of an assault. 
Gratitude Journaling.  If you are interested in developing more positive thinking as you move through your day-to-day life, then gratitude journaling can be a successful tool. 

Gratitude journaling is the process of writing about the people, events, and objects that you are thankful for each day. When done regularly, this practice encourages you to take note of the positive aspects of your life, even if they are small and seemingly insignificant. 
Creative Writing Through Poetry Creative writing offers survivors with new ways to express their feelings, their trauma, their dreams, and their fears. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault around the world have turned to creative writing to process and heal from traumatic events. 

Poets such as Maya Angelou used, and continue to use, poetry to showcase their resilience, creating art in the face of trauma. Angelou writes, “You may shoot me with your words, / You may cut me with your eyes, / You may kill me with your hatefulness, / And still, like air, I’ll rise.” 

Survivors like Angelou have long turned to poetry as a way to rise through their trauma, showcasing their resilience and the power of creative expression.  
Working With the Community to Increase ResilienceIf you are interested in learning how to use writing to increase resilience and heal, please contact the Alliance to learn about the dates for our next Healing Through Writing workshop. These workshops are open to the community at no cost to participants.

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7/31/2023

Youth Summit 2023 - “He said, She said, They said.”

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Written by: Vatauomalotetele V. Fanene
 
​The American Samoa Alliance against Domestic and Sexual Violence Youth Summit is an event focused on raising awareness and addressing the issues of domestic and sexual violence in American Samoa. The summit aims to bring together young people from different backgrounds to discuss these important topics, share experiences, and develop strategies for prevention and intervention.

Within 7 weeks, our interns had worked to develop and promote a collaborative project centered on a real-world problem. For this project, the interns were encouraged to plan, implement and organize a virtual Youth Summit, which was conducted on Thursday, 27th of July, 2023. This summit served as a platform for our youth and everyone to speak up and be heard. The discussion focused on “Victim Blaming”, and our goal was to promote awareness for all victims. The theme of this Summit was, “He said…She said…They said.”

The phrase, “He said, she said, they said” is often used to describe situations where conflicting accounts or testimonies are presented. In the context of a youth summit, it could refer to the importance of listening to and considering the perspectives and stories of all parties involved. It highlights the complexity of these issues and the need for open dialogue and understanding.
When a person falls victim to a crime or experiences harm, it is unfortunate that our society often resorts to victim blaming. This destructive behavior places the burden of responsibility on the victim rather than holding the perpetrator accountable. It is crucial that we break free from this harmful cycle and foster a culture of empathy, support, and understanding for victims. Victim blaming is a heavily ingrained norm in our Samoan Culture. By changing mindsets, victims can be better supported and help prevent further instances from happening.
Throughout this summit, we were enlightened to hear from Keynote speakers- Patrick Ti’a Reid, Dr. Kuini Tua’au, Jayleen Chun and Mary Anne Peck.
Mr. Reid went on to share about “What is victim blaming?” He shared that victim blaming can be defined as someone saying, implying, or treating a person who has experienced harmful or abusive behavior (such as survival of sexual violence) like it was a result of something they did or said, instead of placing the responsibility where it belongs: on the person who harmed them. Mr. Reid raised the question, “Why? Why do we place the blame on victims?” One psychology theory could be of the positive assumptive world view- the general belief that world is generally a good place- only good things happen to good people. Unfortunately, the reality of today is that sometimes bad things happen to good people too.
Dr. Kuini Tua’au went on to sharing of the cultural lens of victim blaming. Dr Tua’au shared that it is important to understand the cultural factors that contribute to the shame and stigma surrounding victim blaming. “In the Samoan culture, there is a strong emphasis on communal harmony, maintaining reputation, and preserving family honor. This can create a societal pressure to protect the family’s reputation by silencing victims and blaming them for the abuse they have experienced.” She states, “to address this, interventions should involve culturally sensitive approaches that aim to challenge harmful beliefs, provide education, and foster supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of survivors while respecting cultural values and practices.”

Following the cultural lens perspective, we heard from Jayleen Chun whom shared insight of her perspective lens of a fa’afafine. We learned of how fa’afafines become victims in different swarms of discrimination, oppression, neglect and mistreatment by society. We learned of how fa’afafines are also victims of sexual violence. With discrimination, this leads them to being in a vulnerable position. To avoid feeling vulnerable, their natural instincts is to be more feminine through their behavior, actions, and movements with the hopes of being acknowledged and accepted. Unfortunately, their sense of femininity are often times seen as sexual objects to be used. Many fa’fafaines are victims of sexual assault such as molestation and rape at a young age. Many of these incidents go unreported due to the fear of shame and embarrassment. Partial reason is because of the gender identity. They have a lot of stigmas facing their gender identity, they fear of being blamed more because they are simply “fa’afafine”.
So, how can we as a community prevent victim blaming? How can we show our support and be more understanding to victims? Here a few ways we can empower others to become agents of change in our community-

1. Expand your knowledge – (read, listen and learn from stories of victims.)
2. Be conscious of your own action- (show compassion and empathy, identify and unlearn ways that you may be victim blaming)
3. Culturally Sensitive Dialogue- (Engage in open and respectful dialogue with Samoan communities is crucial.)
4. Empower survivors
5. Acknowledge fa’afafine issues
6. Include fa’afafine language and rhetoric in our language dialogue.
7. Stop abusing and using fa’afafines.
8. Gender equality and gender equity.
9. Volunteer at the Alliance
In closing of our summit, Mrs. Mary Anne Peck shared a coping mechanism for victims. Mrs. Peck is the founder of Malaga Creative Co. We were fortunate to experience a live workshop of healing through writing. It is important that we find coping mechanisms to either move on or at least move through the emotions after a trauma. Journaling is a way to tell your story. The writing is for you. Whether you read it out loud, have someone else read it out for you or it is meant to remain silent on paper, it’s entirely up to you. Writing can help you gain insight of what you’ve been through. It could help you find meaning in certain experiences. It can allow you to explore different points of view, help practice how you talk to yourself, or help foster a habit of self-talk and become a sort of self-care practice. “Never underestimate the power that one person’s story can make.”
If you are a victim of domestic and/or sexual violence, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I AM WITH YOU!

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7/30/2023

Identifying American Samoa's accessibility to care to reach every citizens full health potential

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On June 16, 2023 the Alliance was awarded Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grant Award titled, Health Equity, Identifying American Samoa's accessibility to care to reach every citizens full health potential.   The grant budget period start date was June 30, 2023 and ends June 29, 2024.  The total award of the grant is 125,830.00.  Due to the quick turn around of the grant (12 months), the Alliance began employment search on the day of notification, June 9, 2023 for a Program Manager on the Alliance website.  The Program Director will be announced in July.  

We ask the community to follow us as we share more about the grant, and how we will engage the community.  For more information contact administration @asadsv.com.

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7/30/2023

Using Art, Music and Writing to Build Resiliency in American Samoa

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In American Samoa there are limited mental health providers here on our island. Mental health providers help us to focus on our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.  One’s mental health aids handling difficult situations, how we communicate or work with one another as well as how we make healthy decisions.  Because it impacts every stage of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, our mental health is extremely important.  For individuals who face domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking having good mental health practices is extremely important to build resiliency and wellness. 
            A person who suffers from domestic violence has an increased risk of dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and suicide.  Sexual assault victims experience these same stresses, and include anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and eating disorders.  In American Samoa we have limited mental health services and capacity. The Alliance has established the importance of self-care routines for coping with stress and dealing with complicated emotional and physical responses due to trauma of abuse.  For the next two years, 2023-2025, the Alliance has engaged three Wellness Coaches to promote art, music and writing for healing.  There is evidence that art as an observer or initiator can improve a person’s moods, and emotions. 
            Follow us as we share with the community Art, Music and Writing Classes every quarter.  Join us as we visit different communities, (i.e. TAOA, DYWA, Online Virtual Sessions) to share knowledge about these tools to improve wellness.  For more information contact:  Training@asadsv.com or judy.matautia@asadsv.com.  

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7/30/2023

Linking Inclusion, Domestic & Sexual Violence; Why We  Need to Belong

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Written by:  Jennifer F. Tofaeono, Ex Director
​As a child, moving to American Samoa, there were times when I felt like an outsider.  We moved here when I was five years old.  I did not speak Samoan, and it was hard for me to understand the language.  Back then, there were fewer kids who spoke English, which meant there were many times I felt like an outsider.  I learned the word “palagi” as many would call me that, even though my skin was brown, my nose was rounded, and I looked Samoan.  I was not alone.  My friends who were “different” or viewed as “different” were teased about their distinctions.  By being we were relentlessly teased, mocked about the way spoke, the way we looked, and as a child that was difficult. Other times we were bullied by being pushed, hair pulled, or beaten for being different.  These are the steps to becoming a victim of domestic and sexual violence. 
            Studies show evidence that adults who report having been the target of violence in childhood demonstrate poorer mental health, on average, than adults who report not having experienced such violence (Greenfield, E & Marks, N., 2010). In my conversations with children who are feeling excluded, or being bullied the remark is, “I just want to belong”, “I just want to fit in”, or “I just want them to like me.”.  This sense of longing to be a part of the community makes us feel that we are not alone.  When we feel alone and not part of the group, it can increase the amount of violence on children and trickle into their patterns of feelings as adults.  We have similar dreams, desires, a place to confide our hopes and dreams.  When you ask others, “Why do you struggle with feeling like you don’t belong?”  Studies show that depression, anxiety, and suicide are common mental health conditions associated with lacking a sense of belonging.  Yet, as human beings we have this desire to feel connected to friends, family even our community or villages here in American Samoa.  When you feel like you belong, you feel happier, and your life gain’s purpose.  It can improve your mental health.
            What does it look like when you have a strong circle of acceptance, and that you fit in? You would feel valued—your comments, who you are as a person, is valuable to your circle.  You can be your authentic self, which can look like needing time with a smaller group of friends or being surrounded by a larger community.  For example, learn about your environment, understand how things are done in that community.  You can find similarities in others, and see what shared interests you have, like cooking, or reading.  Conversations become simpler because you share the same interests. You’ll reduce your stress and improve your well-being in the end.  It is not always easy to create a sense of belonging, but when you feel valued, it is easier to make others feel like they belong. Remember that there will be benefits to change, embrace practices that promote healthy change.  What a better world we will live in when we see no violence. 

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7/27/2023

Rural Connection to Minority Mental Health Month

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Written by: Karrollyn Fitisone 
We might all be familiar now with the idea that mental health issues are common, and
they do not discriminate, as in anyone from any walk of life may at some point in their life,
experience poor mental health. We also know that these issues can disproportionately affect,
specific communities and in regard to our project: Rural communities, gender minorities, culturally specific groups that exist in American Samoa such as fa’afafine. The statewide
statistics suggest that some gender minorities experience hardships and mental health issues.

​More frequently and more severe than gender normative groups.  We know that this can be linked to a number of factors but that at the root of these issues is prejudice and injustice. As we continue to speak up about the importance of prioritizing mental health, we hope that the
conversation will always include our indigenous populations, and the minorities within the
minorities.  We hope that society can progress to a point where individuals are met with the care they need and at the least given the opportunity to do so, in that way we can continue to strive to achieve true mental health equity for our people.



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7/27/2023

Nurturing Native and Indigenous Community: Understanding and Addressing Mental Health

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Written by: Vatauomalotetele V. Fanene
The mental well-being of Native and Indigenous communities is of utmost importance in fostering healthy and thriving societies. These communities, with their rich cultural heritage, face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. Historical trauma, cultural disconnection, social disparities, and the erosion of traditional practices are just a few factors that contribute to mental health issues within these communities. It is crucial to understand and address these challenges through culturally sensitive and community-driven approaches to promote healing, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
 
Historical Context and Trauma:
The history of Native and Indigenous communities is marred by colonization, forced assimilation, land dispossession and cultural suppression. These historical traumas have had far-reaching effects on the mental health of individuals and communities, leading to intergenerational trauma. The enduring impact of these traumatic experiences on subsequent generations cannot be overlooked. It is essential to recognize and acknowledge this history to foster healing and resilience within these common community.
 
Cultural Disconnection and Identity:
The erosion of cultural practices and values due to historical events and modern influences has disrupted the sense of identity and belonging among Native and Indigenous individuals. Cultural disconnection can lead to a loss of self-esteem, feelings of alienation and a weakened sense of purpose. These factors contribute to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse within these communities. Reconnecting with cultural traditions, languages, and spirituality plays a vital role in restoring a sense of identity and promoting mental well-being.
 
Social Disparities and Inequities:
Native and Indigenous communities often face systemic disparities and inequities, including limited access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and housing. These social determinants of health can exacerbate mental health challenges. Poverty, discrimination, and the lack of culturally competent mental health services further compound the issues face by these communities. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive approaches that involve community empowerment, policy changes, and equitable resource allocation.
 
Community-Driven Healing Approaches:
Recognizing the importance of community-driven approaches to mental health, many Native and Indigenous communities have developed culturally relevant healing practices. These practices encompass traditional ceremonies, storytelling, art therapy, connection to nature, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. Community involvement and leadership are crucial in designing and implementing mental health programs that are sensitive to cultural values, beliefs, and needs. Incorporating traditional healing practices alongside evidence-based interventions can lead to more holistic and effective outcomes.
 
Collaborative Partnerships and Support:
Addressing mental health challenges within Native and Indigenous communities requires collaborative efforts among community members, mental health professionals, policymakers, and organizations is essential in developing culturally appropriate and sustainable mental health services. It is crucial to involve Indigenous voices in decision making processes and empower communities to take ownership of their mental health initiatives.
 
Culturally Competent Mental Health Services:
To effectively support Native and Indigenous communities, mental health services must prioritize cultural competence and sensitivity. Mental health professionals need to be trained in culturally appropriate approaches, understanding the historical context, and developing trust and rapport with community members. Increasing the number of Indigenous mental health professionals and creating pathways for Indigenous individuals to pursue careers in mental health can also enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of services.
 
It is imperative to understand mental health challenges faced by Native and Indigenous communities are deeply rooted in historical traumas, cultural erasure, and systemic disparities. Recognizing the unique context and providing culturally sensitive support is crucial to fostering healing, resilience, and empowerment. By promoting cultural revitalization, improving access to mental health resources, and empowering communities, we can work towards a future where Native and Indigenous individuals can thrive, reclaim their identities, and experience holistic well-being. It is our collective responsibility to support and uplift these communities, honoring their rich cultural heritage and promoting mental wellness for generations to come. 

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7/26/2023

​O LE TU’UA’IFUAINA O TAGATA UA SAUAINA

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​Tusia : Judy Mata’utia

 
O le tu’ua’ifuaina o tagata ua sauaina e tula’i mai pe a toe tu’ua’ina se ​tasi ua sauaina, i se solitulafono po’o ni faiga sese sa faia e se isi tagata ia te ia.  O se tulaga e tupu faalauaitele, ma e faatinoina ia ia faao’o ai le faatiga, faapopoleina, ma le faanoanoa I le ua sauaina ma a’afia faalua ai, ae tumau pea le le tautala o le ua a’afia i sauaga.
 
O le faamalosi, e pau lea o le solitulafono e taumafai ai le ua molia, ina ia faamaonia lona mama.  E mafai ona faia lea tulaga e ala i le tu’ua’ifuaina o le na ia sauaina po’o le na ia faamalosia.  O le tu’uaifuaina o le ua a’afia i sauaga, e a’afia ai ia I le tulaga ua taua o le a’afiaga faalua.  O le a’afiaga faalua e faatatau i amioga ma aga oi latou e galulue mo le auaunaga e fesoasoani ma tautuaina ai I latou ua a’afia i sauaga, ae toe fesiligia pe faia e le aufaigaluega faamatalaga ma faaupuga e tu’ua’i ai latou ua sauaina.  O amioga nei e faaosofia ai lagona faanoanoa ma le mafatia o le ua sauaina, ao lea e toe faia lava e tagata nei o le latou matafaioi po o le latou galuega le fesoasoani I tagata ua sauaina. 
 
            Ae aisea tatou te tu’ua’ifuaina ai latou ua sauaina? Ina ia tatou toe faamafanafana lava tatou ia tatou.   E fai ma tulaga e faataumamao ai tatou mai le faafitauli ua tupu, tatou faapea ifo lea e tupu ona sa latou faia le mea lea ma lea, ae se manu e le tupu lava se mea faapea ia te au.  O se isi tulaga o le le fia iai lava se matafaioi e feagai ai pe fesoasoani I le ua sauaina, afai e tu’ua’ia le ua sauaina atonu e le tau fesoasoani ai fua pe faamafanafana foi I ai. E toatele nisi e le gata ina latou te le masani ona feagai ma ni tulaga faapea, ae ua fai ma auala e alo fia ai mai le fesoasoani atu. 
O se isi mafuaaga tatou te tu’ua’ifuaina ai latou ua sauaina ona o tatou talitonuga i mea faale-lalolagi, e pei e tutupu lava mea lelei i tagata lelei, ae e ono mala lava tagata leaga, a le’o lena ua faapea, leaga o le teine po’o le tama ta’a o le nuu, ia ua sala tula’I mai ai faafitauli I ia ituaiga tagata.  O se isi foi mafuaaga o le faavae sese o talitonuga ma le tuputupu ifo o le tagata.  O le faailoga lanu, po o nisi tulaga e eseese ai tagata e mafai ona avea ma tulaga e tu’ua’ina ai I latou ua sauaina, ae galo ai le solitulagono lea na faia e le tagata saua, ae tu’ua’i mea uma I le ua aafia I sauaga.
 
            O nisi o tulaga o lo’o faatupulaia ma faaauauina ai le tu’ua’ifuaina o I  latou ua sauaina e mafai ona aofia ai mo tausuaga I sauaga faamalosi, tala fatu ae le’o ni mea moni e faatatau I sauaina faamalosi o se tasi, faiga togafiti, faailoga itupa, o talitonuga sese ua masani ai le tagata, tu ma aga masani ua tatou masani ai, o le tatou faavae ma mea na aoaoina ai tatou ao tatou tuputupu ae, faalumaina oi latou e fai amio, ma nisi lava tulaga.  O talitonuga faapea o le mea lava lea na manao I ai, mai tulaga o le amio, faiga o laei, ma le ituaiga olaga o lo o soifua ai se isi, o nei talitonuga, po o tala fatu, po o faiga sese, e faaopopo lea I le ta’atele ma le faatupulaia o sauaga faafeusuaiga.  O nei foi tulaga latou te faamalosia ai se talitonuga e faapea e le aia tutusa tagata uma.
 
            O nisi o faataitaiga o le tu’ua’ifuaina o I latou ua a’afia I sauaga e mafai ona aofia ai le faia o faamatalaga nei;
  • Sa le tatau ona faia la ituaiga lavalava
  • Sa tatau lava ona matuai faaeteete
  • Sa le tatau ona inu ma soona ona
  • Sa tatau na taumafai malosi e tete’e atu
  • O le mea lava na nofo ma fafau
  • O le mea lava na manao I ai
  • Aisea na le alu ese ai
  • A’o a ana mea na fai io
  • Se leaga o le teine e ta’a ma ona uiga
  • Ma nisi lava mau faamatalaga…..
 
Ina ia faaitiitia ma faaumatia lenei amio o le tu’ua’ifuaina o I latou ua sauaina, e mafai ona tatou fesoasoani e ala I le;
  • ia tau atu i ai latou ua a’afia I sauaga, e le’o latou e mafua ai, ma e leai se mea o sese ai latou
  • faailoa I ai latou e leai se isi e sili atu ona malamalama lelei I le mataupu nai lo’o latou
  • faalogo ma ofoina le fesoasoani e saili se fesoasoani
  • ia faatasi ma ia I le tele o le taimi ao feagai ma lu’itau
  • alo ese mai le upega tafailagi mo se taimi
  • toe tima’I o tatou upu ma faaupuga, ia suia o tatou faamatalaga
  • ia tu’ua’ina i latou o lo’o faia sauaga, aua nei tuuina atu se avanoa mo I latou e faia sauaga e tau mai ai pe faia ni faamatalaga po’o ni si’o I le mafuaaga e mafua ai ona latou saua
  • faafetoai, lu’I, ma faasao faaupuga I faatatau I le tu’ua’ifuaina o e ua sauaina, pea e faalogo I ai
  • aua nei ioe pe malie I le mafuaaga ua tuuina mai e le faia sauaga I le mafuaaga e alai ona saua
  • ma nisi tulaga ma auala e mafai ona tatou fesoasoani ai….
 
E leai lava se taimi e sese ai pe ono tu’ua’ina ai le ua sauaina, ma e le tatau foi ona faia pei se tagata ua solitulafono.  E tatau ona taula’i le tatou mafaufau i le o lo’o faataunuuina sauaga ae fesoasoani mo le ua sauaina.  O le i ai o le tatou malamalama tele ma le tou silafia I le tulaga lenei o le tu’ua’ifuaina o I latou ua sauaina, ae pe faapefea, a’o lea le mafuaaga e alai ona ta’atele, ma le a’afiaga oi latou ua sauaina, o lea mafai ai foi ona tatou iloa ma taofia loa lea tulaga ina ia aua nei toe faaauauina. 
 
 
 


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6/30/2023

SE TATOU SAO I LE TAOFIGA O LE SAUAINA O TAGATA MATUTUA!

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Tusia: Monica Ve’ave’a
E tele ni auala e mafai ona tatou fesoasoani ai I le faaitiitia o le sauaina o matua.  O nisi nei o auala e mafai ona fai ma o tatou sao I le taofia o sauaga ma mea e mafai ona faatupula’ia pe fa’aititita ai le tulaga lamatia ole faia po’o le o’o I le sauaina o tagata matutua . A tatou mananao e taofia le sauaina o tagata matutua , e tatau ona tatou malamalama ma talanoa I mea e lamatia ai I latou ma taumafai e puipuia mai ai;
  • Fa’alogo I tagata matutua ma latou tausi ma’i ia tatou malamalama I mea o lo’o faafaigata ia latou ma tatou taumafai e avatu ai se fesoasoani ma se lagolago
 
  • A faapea ua e masalomiaina o I ai se tulaga o le sauaga o lo’o tupu, pe ua e vaai foi ua sauaina se tagata matua, faamolemole ripoti I auaunaga puipuia a tagata matutua po’o  leoleo foi mo se fesoasoani
 
  • Faasoa le tomai o lo’o ia te oe I le tulaga ma auala e iloa ai faailoga ma le ripotiina o sauaga i tagata matutua
 
  • Ia a’oa’o le tele o faailoga ma auala e ese mai ai le sauaina o tagata matutua mai le  faagasologa masani ole matua
 
  • Ia faatulaga sou taimi e siaki ma asiasi ai nai tagata matutua ia e le toatele o latou aiga po’o ni uo
 
  • Tu’uina atu I tausi ma’i o lo’o tele ni avega mamafa o lo’o latou feagai ai, se faamama avega pei o le fesoasoani mai o uo ma aiga , faufautua aemaise se lagolago faalelagona.
 
  • Faamalosia ma fesoasoani I tagata tausi ma’i po’o tagata matutua , o lo’o I ai faafitauli I le faaaogaina o Fualaau faasaina , po’o le faaaogaina o le ava malosi mo se fesoasoani
Aua nei galo le taua o le fefaasoa’i o tatou manatu ma lagona e faatatau I auala eseese e mafai ona tatou galulue faatasi ai I le faaitiitia o le sauaina o tagata matutua, aemaise o tatou galue faale-faufautua o lo’o faatinoina mo le lagolagoina aemaise o le fesoasoani atu mo I latou ua aafia I sauaga.  Mo nisi faamatalaga atili e faatatau I sauaga o tagata matutua, faafesootai mai le ofisa o Le Mau I le 684-699-0272, po’o le asiasi atu I le upega tafailagi I le www.asalliance.co.
 

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6/28/2023

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2023

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WRITTEN BY VATAU FANENE
​
The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is proud to provide another year of internship opportunities for high school and college students throughout the island. This being our 3rd annual internship program, we are pleased to share the spotlight on 3 individuals who were selected to join our team- Cherinalei Simanu, Andrea de Guzman and So’onaoliolineilouloto Maui’a-Atutasi.

At the Alliance we recognize the need to establish a society free of violence with equality, dignity and respect. It is crucial that we build safe spaces to learn and explore the perspective of domestic and sexual violence inclusive of Fa’aSamoa. We assess supremacy dynamics rooted in gender and power. We construct community conversations regarding power and how it integrates relationships that create elements of structural inequality and influence violent behavior differently for women and men.

In this 10-week program, our interns will work to develop and promote a collaborative project centered on a real-world problem. For this project, the interns are encouraged to plan, implement and organize a virtual Youth Summit, which will be conducted on Thursday, 27th of July, 2023. This summit serves as a platform for our youth and everyone to speak up and be heard. The discussions will be focused on “Victim Blaming”, and our goal is to promote awareness for all victims. The theme of the Summit is, “He said…She said…They said.”

As we approach the month of July, details and information of the Summit will be announced. We look forward to seeing the efforts and hard-work of our Summer Youth Interns throughout this program.


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6/27/2023

Developing Protective Factors to Build Resilience in Victims of Domestic Violence

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Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, MBA, Ex Director
Domestic Violence continues to be a serious problem in American Samoa.  New studies show there are links between suicidal thoughts and domestic abuse (Agenda, 2023).  An abused woman is three times more likely to have made a suicide attempt in the last year, and women living in poverty are at a high risk.
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Many local organizations focus on the risk factors of domestic violence, but we need to develop protective factors for our community, such as resilience.  Through resilience you can make connections to construct support networks, and the ability to change the tendency to view trauma as insurmountable challenges.  We want to nurture a positive of self and our abilities to respond to traumatic trials. Resilience is a tool “considered a positive personality characteristic enhancing individual adaptation (Tsirigotis, K, Luczak, J, 2017).

Resilience studies performed over the past 15 years suggest building resilience can help develop additional domestic violence and sexual assault prevention interventions.  Resilience is the capacity and dynamic process of adaptively overcoming stress and adversity while maintaining normal psychological and physical functioning[1]. For many years we have believed resiliency was everyone was born with, but we now know resilience can be taught and nurtured.  Communities, families need to invest in the importance of resilient thinking and managing emotions to develop their strengths.

As Survivors of domestic we can build our own protective factors.  We can increase our coping skills.   Encourage victims to remain connected with their support systems during challenging times of stress.  This looks different for everyone.  If you know a loved one who is being physically or sexually abused you can help to create safe spaces, to use in moments of high stress.  Using support from mental health care can help overcome difficult or different challenges. A licensed professional may make a big difference for individuals experiencing suicidal thinking, depression, or other mental health concerns.  For the Alliance over the next two years, you will find art classes, music classes, and story telling as tools to develop resiliency.  We recognize the limited resources on our island and hope to increase victims toolkits to get to wellness.
We also recognize walking the path of resiliency is not easy.  It is important to recognize there is no end in developing resiliency.  Our lives change.  There can be constant ebb and flow, a rhythmical pattern of decline and regrowth. Resiliency becomes a process of healing.  If you find yourself building resiliency here are some tips: 1) Identify or name your experience, 2) Tell your story, 3) Practice mindfulness 4) Ground yourself in your body 5) Seek Support.  Remind yourself at every step, we have the ability to improve our situation, mind body and soul.


[1] Sher L. Resilience as a focus of suicide research and prevention. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2019 Aug;140(2):169-180. doi: 10.1111/acps.13059. Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31150102.retried on 08/30/2021 from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31150102/
 
Tsirigotis, K. Luczak, J (2018)  Resilience in Women who Experience Domestic Violence. 2018 retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11126-017-9529-4



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5/28/2023

How the Alliance Uses Various Art Forms to Develop Resiliency Skills for Healing

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Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director
       Domestic and sexual violence creates trauma for many people, families, siblings, parents, and children.  Most of the people who experience a greater share of violence are communities of color.  Incidents of intergenerational violence found in communities of color violence has become part of the fabric of the family, and community setting.  
       The impact of violence creates trauma for many victims. The exposure to violence, or also known as life adversities, means their environments show stress resulting from violence, neglect, abuse, and dysfunction.  For individuals who have early life adversity, defined as adverse childhood experiences’ (ACEs), it is a strong predictor of negative outcomes for later life. “When a kid grows up in poverty with chronic discrimination and sometimes various forms of child maltreatment, and is also exposed to community violence, it’s a pile-on effect.  It’s like they’re growing up in a war zone.  It changes their developmental pathways.”  (Violence Policy Center, 2017).
       We at the Alliance recognize the trauma and believe one of the best ways we can promote healing is by developing resiliency skills. We support the resilience theory, that “argues it’s not the nature of adversity that is most important, but how we deal with it.”  American Samoa is mental health professionals or support systems are limited, based on our need.  We support community resilience and have developed an integral approach.  For the last four years the Alliance holds space for workers to “check-in” to share how they are feeling or talk about any difficult situations they may need support.  We have developed “One Minute” public service announcements to provide tips for those who need support.  This summer we are offering storytelling, art projects, and music sessions to help victims of violence to change their response to violence. 
       If you’re interested in learning more about our Summer Resiliency Programs, please follow us on Facebook, or visit our website at:  as alliance.co

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5/28/2023

How Intergenerational Violence Impacts Our Samoan Aiga

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Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, ASADSV Executive Director
On April 2, 2023, a Samoan village representative shared how violence is a Samoan tradition, having severe impact on children (Samoa Observer, 2023).  Constantly our newspapers are littered with stories, of husbands beating their wives, parents use beating to teach their children, and lastly, seeing our youth fighting in schools with anger and hatred over school pride.
We must ask ourselves why an influx of people who believe in “alofa” (love), are struggling with violence.  For many Samoans many of us are taught not to talk about the violent behavior.  I have sat with my Samoan family who described violence as “a norm here.”  2018 National Public Inquiry into Family Violence, it unveiled an “epidemic” of violence and sexual abuse.  Nine out of ten respondents reported that abuse was commonplace in their homes.  When a community considers things “common”, it means it is everywhere. Violence on our island is ordinary, unremarkable, because we see it everywhere in our community. To unpack the underlying cause for domestic violence, abusers may have witnessed family violence as a child, power and control issues, and gender inequality. 

In Samoan families we are taught physical and harsh verbal discipline, usually bordering on violence, are an integral part of raising and developing Samoan children.  Evidence shows when there is a cycle of violence, it increases the likelihood the victim will become a perpetrator in adulthood. 
“I was beaten by my very violent father.  I smack my kids as well because of what my dad did to me. One day I went too far and hit my kid with a machete, cutting them.” Anonymous
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 Intergenerational violence is prominent in Samoan.  As a community we share stories of parents who beat us to change or correct behavior, and they do the same, thinking it is the norm.  This pattern continues to promote the cycle of violence creating intergenerational violence which is the transference of traumatic experiences or stressors from one generation to another.  An example is a mother who struggles with her daughter’s sexual abuse, may have been abused by her father, who may have been sexually abused by his father.  The impact of generational trauma is somber on a community.  Societies who suffer from intergenerational trauma never fully recover and find it difficult to support family members who may be suffering from their own trauma.  It is important for people to identify intergenerational trauma, and how it has impacted their approach or belief about violence. 
If you find that you are a victim of intergenerational trauma, do not dismiss it as “in the past”.  Take a more balanced approach, acknowledge the negative effect of trauma on health but find strength in resilience. The mind can withstand trauma, and it can recover quickly –that is resilience.  Research has shown resilience can be taught, learned, and cultivated.  Follow the Alliance as we unpack how resilience is used and developed in our work.
Reference(s)
National Public Inquiry Into Family Violence in Samoa (2018) retrieved from: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ombudsman.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SHRR-2018-National-Public-Inquiry-into-Family-Violence_-English.pdf
Samoa Observer (2023)  Violence should not be a Samoan tradition. Retrieved on 5/27/2023 https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/editorial/102845

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5/24/2023

O LE TAULIMAINA O LE ATUATUVALE (e aunoa ma le faaaogaina ole ava po’o fualaau faasaina)

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Tusia:  Monica Ve’ave’a
​
E tele ituaiga atuatuvale ma popolega e mafai ona tatou a’afia ai.  O nisi ituaiga atuatuvale atonu e lelei, e faatumauina ai le faaosofia ma le taula’I o lou tagata, o nisi foi e faale-lelei ma faatupu mai fo’i.  O nisi o taimi e taumafai tagata e taulimaina le atuatuvale e ala I le faia o mea e atili ai ona afaina ai lona ia lava tagata, e pei o le faaaogaina o le ava malosi ma fualaau faasaina.  Ina ia mafai ona tatou taulimaina le atuatuvale e tula’i mai, e tatau ona faia ni laasaga e taofia ai le pulea o tatou tagata e le atuatuvale.  O nisi nei o laasaga e mafai ona fesoasoani I le faaitiitia o le atuatuvale:

TAGATAGAI LELEI I MEA E MAFUA AI ONA E ATUATUVALE:  
• Ua tele le pisi
• Le lava le malolo
• Mamafa I le mafaufau meaaoga ma galuega
• Faafitauli tau I le aiga
• Faafitauli I le va ma uo
• Faafitauli e faatatau I le faasinomaga
• Le lava le faasoa

MAITAUINA FAAILOGA O LE ATUATUVALE: 
• Lagonaina le popolevale, le mautonu po’o le lelava
• Le mafai ona taulai le mafaufau I se mea e tasi
• Galogalo mea taua
• Faatupulaia le faagasegasea 
• Faaaogaina le ava malosi ma fualaau faasaina
• Lagonaina le faanoanoa ma le tele o mea i le mafaufau
ILOA TULAGA E MAFAI ONA E PULEA MA MEA E TE LE MAFAIA: 
• O nisi o mea e mafua ai le atuatuvale e faigofie lava ona e suia.  Mo se faataitaiga , afai e galo I taimi uma au meaaoga I le taeao , e mafai ona e tuuina I lou ato aoga pea maea ona fai I le aso lava lena, ae lei oo I le isi aso fou.
• E le mafai ona e suia ni tulaga pei ole mai, po’o le tetea o matua . Ae e mafai ona e faaaogaina ni laasaga pe faia ni auala e fesoasoani ia te oe pea oo I taimi o le atuatuvale.  
 
FAIFAILEMU: 
• O le tele o mea fai o se isi lea mafuaaga tele o le atuatuvale.  Manatunatu pe le ono ave ese pe tuu ese nisi fuafuaga mai le tele o au mea fai.
• Filifili po’o a tulaga ma mea e sili ona taua ia te oe . Manatua, e le mafai ona e faia uma ni mea se tele i se taimi e tasi.  
 
FAAMALOSI TINO: 
• So’o se mea lava e mafai ona faagaioi ai lou tino, e mafai foi ona faaitiitia ai le atuatuvale. 
• Fai mea e te fiafia ai , tie tie uila , siva , alu I se savaliga , taalo ma ou uo.


TAUMAFA PE A FIA TAUMAFA, MALOLO PE A VAIVAI: 
• O le le tausami lelei po’o le lelava o le malolo e faapopoleina ai le tino – ma faafaigata ona gafataulimaina nisi ituaiaga popolega po’o le atuatuvale.  
• Taumafa le malu o le taeao, aiga o le aoauli ma le afiafi.  Ia tausami ni meaai mo le soifua maloloina. Alo ese mai  meaai e afaina ai lou soifua maloloina. 
• Ia mautinoa e lava le malologa.

FAAAVANOA SE TAIMI MO OE LAVA IA: 
• Faia mea e te fiafia e fai ma maua ai lou toafilemu.  Faalogo i musika.  Tafafao ma nisi o au uo.  
• Ata! O se auala lelei tele e ave esea ai le atuatuvale.  Matamata I se ata tifaga malie.
 
O LE AVA MALOSI MA NISI O FUALAAU FAASAINA E FAATETELEINA AI LE ATUATUVALE: 
• E iai taimi e faapea ai le toatele o le faaaogaina o le ava malosi ma fualaau faasaina atonu o le a faalogoina ai le latou malosi.
• O le ava malosi ma nisi fualaau faasaina e faateleina ai le atuatuvale.    Latou te faaopoopo I faafituali I aiga, galuega ma aoga.
• Aua le sona tausami, pe faamisimisi taumafataga, pe faanofo esea oe mai isi ina ia gafataulimaina ai lou atuatuvale.

FAATALANOA & FAASOA MAI: 
• E te lagona ua tele naua’I le mau mea?  E fai ma e mafaufau e te sola ese pe nofo mai le aoga?
• Afai e ioe, saili loa se fesoasoani!  Faatalanoa ma faasoa au lagona I se tasi e te talitonuina, sui o le aiga po’o se faufautua.
• Afai e lagona tele lou atuatuvale ma ua le mafai lava ona tatalia, saili vave loa se fesoasoani e ala I lou valaau vave I se laina e mafai ona faatalanoaina ai lau mataupu.
• Pe valaau mai foi I le 684-699-0272 mo se fesoasoani.


Tusia:  Monica Ve’ave’a
 
E tele ituaiga atuatuvale ma popolega e mafai ona tatou a’afia ai.  O nisi ituaiga atuatuvale atonu e lelei, e faatumauina ai le faaosofia ma le taula’I o lou tagata, o nisi foi e faale-lelei ma faatupu mai fo’i.  O nisi o taimi e taumafai tagata e taulimaina le atuatuvale e ala I le faia o mea e atili ai ona afaina ai lona ia lava tagata, e pei o le faaaogaina o le ava malosi ma fualaau faasaina.  Ina ia mafai ona tatou taulimaina le atuatuvale e tula’i mai, e tatau ona faia ni laasaga e taofia ai le pulea o tatou tagata e le atuatuvale.  O nisi nei o laasaga e mafai ona fesoasoani I le faaitiitia o le atuatuvale:
 
TAGATAGAI LELEI I MEA E MAFUA AI ONA E ATUATUVALE:  
  • Ua tele le pisi
  • Le lava le malolo
  • Mamafa I le mafaufau meaaoga ma galuega
  • Faafitauli tau I le aiga
  • Faafitauli I le va ma uo
  • Faafitauli e faatatau I le faasinomaga
  • Le lava le faasoa
 
MAITAUINA FAAILOGA O LE ATUATUVALE:
  • Lagonaina le popolevale, le mautonu po’o le lelava
  • Le mafai ona taulai le mafaufau I se mea e tasi
  • Galogalo mea taua
  • Faatupulaia le faagasegasea
  • Faaaogaina le ava malosi ma fualaau faasaina
  • Lagonaina le faanoanoa ma le tele o mea i le mafaufau
ILOA TULAGA E MAFAI ONA E PULEA MA MEA E TE LE MAFAIA:
  • O nisi o mea e mafua ai le atuatuvale e faigofie lava ona e suia.  Mo se faataitaiga , afai e galo I taimi uma au meaaoga I le taeao , e mafai ona e tuuina I lou ato aoga pea maea ona fai I le aso lava lena, ae lei oo I le isi aso fou.
  • E le mafai ona e suia ni tulaga pei ole mai, po’o le tetea o matua . Ae e mafai ona e faaaogaina ni laasaga pe faia ni auala e fesoasoani ia te oe pea oo I taimi o le atuatuvale. 
 
FAIFAILEMU:
  • O le tele o mea fai o se isi lea mafuaaga tele o le atuatuvale.  Manatunatu pe le ono ave ese pe tuu ese nisi fuafuaga mai le tele o au mea fai.
  • Filifili po’o a tulaga ma mea e sili ona taua ia te oe . Manatua, e le mafai ona e faia uma ni mea se tele i se taimi e tasi. 
 
FAAMALOSI TINO:
  • So’o se mea lava e mafai ona faagaioi ai lou tino, e mafai foi ona faaitiitia ai le atuatuvale.
  • Fai mea e te fiafia ai , tie tie uila , siva , alu I se savaliga , taalo ma ou uo.
 
 
TAUMAFA PE A FIA TAUMAFA, MALOLO PE A VAIVAI:
  • O le le tausami lelei po’o le lelava o le malolo e faapopoleina ai le tino – ma faafaigata ona gafataulimaina nisi ituaiaga popolega po’o le atuatuvale. 
  • Taumafa le malu o le taeao, aiga o le aoauli ma le afiafi.  Ia tausami ni meaai mo le soifua maloloina. Alo ese mai  meaai e afaina ai lou soifua maloloina.
  • Ia mautinoa e lava le malologa.
 
FAAAVANOA SE TAIMI MO OE LAVA IA:
  • Faia mea e te fiafia e fai ma maua ai lou toafilemu.  Faalogo i musika.  Tafafao ma nisi o au uo. 
  • Ata! O se auala lelei tele e ave esea ai le atuatuvale.  Matamata I se ata tifaga malie.
 
O LE AVA MALOSI MA NISI O FUALAAU FAASAINA E FAATETELEINA AI LE ATUATUVALE:
  • E iai taimi e faapea ai le toatele o le faaaogaina o le ava malosi ma fualaau faasaina atonu o le a faalogoina ai le latou malosi.
  • O le ava malosi ma nisi fualaau faasaina e faateleina ai le atuatuvale.    Latou te faaopoopo I faafituali I aiga, galuega ma aoga.
  • Aua le sona tausami, pe faamisimisi taumafataga, pe faanofo esea oe mai isi ina ia gafataulimaina ai lou atuatuvale.
 
FAATALANOA & FAASOA MAI:
  • E te lagona ua tele naua’I le mau mea?  E fai ma e mafaufau e te sola ese pe nofo mai le aoga?
  • Afai e ioe, saili loa se fesoasoani!  Faatalanoa ma faasoa au lagona I se tasi e te talitonuina, sui o le aiga po’o se faufautua.
  • Afai e lagona tele lou atuatuvale ma ua le mafai lava ona tatalia, saili vave loa se fesoasoani e ala I lou valaau vave I se laina e mafai ona faatalanoaina ai lau mataupu.
  • Pe valaau mai foi I le 684-699-0272 mo se fesoasoani.
 

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5/23/2023

Visionary Voice Awards 2023

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NSVRC offers the Visionary Voice Awards, in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month each April, to recognize the creativity and hard work of individuals around the country who have demonstrated outstanding work to end sexual violence. Each year, state, territory, and tribal coalitions select an outstanding individual to nominate for the awards. Nominees may be partners from a local community or other outstanding individuals that have worked to end sexual violence.   
Ipu Lefiti was nominated by the American Samoa Alliance against Domestic and Sexual Violence
My beginning as a Pacific Islander on my father’s farm is the foundation upon which my experience as an independent Victims Advocate stand.  After serving in the United States Army for 20 years as a Medical Specialist, I returned to American Samoa to work as a Surgical Technician at the LBJ Community Medical Center for another 20 years.  My military experience did not prepare me for the raw exposure of sexual assaults, child abuse, and domestic violence at work. Compounding the intensity of this work were the lethargic local attitudes, systemic coverups, and the ignorance or sense of silence due to a belief held by first responders that these were expected punishments. This all inspired my spirit and calling as a Victims Advocate (an unnamed role at the time) and led to me putting myself in a high-risk position by challenging my AIGA (communal family) to try to break down the cultural norms, language, faith, law, and governmental bureaucracy that were contributing to a victim’s suffering. It was a lonely and rugged uphill battle to bring down these slippery walls of resistance, power and ignorance. With almost every door shut in my face for assistance to safely bring in a survivor seeking justice, it was my faith that brought us through it all. 
I am blessed to be entrusted as a trailblazer. I have witnessed alarming socially turbulent behaviors where culture, faith, laws and trust in a growing government and religious hierarchies have been and are still being challenged by lack of clarity and enforcement. I look forward to seeing a person in American Samoa willing to look beyond the struggles and barriers of a Victims Advocate. To visually see how you can help, and readily take up the baton to carry on the work. 

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5/22/2023

Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islanders Heritage Month

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May marks the start of the nationally celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity” which has been selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, builds off of previous year’s themes about advancement and leadership since 2021. In this month we celebrate Asians and pacific islanders in the United States which broadly represents the Asian continent as well as the pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (American Samoa, Samoa, New Zealand, Hawaiian islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Easter Island. This month allows AAPI to spread awareness, share their culture, their stories, provide clarity about misconceptions or myths, and to really highlight and celebrate our culture and diversity.

One way to celebrate this month is to highlight the significant role that AAPI folk have had on our understanding of the world around us. In particular, we highlight our fa’afafine who have allowed us to understand a bit more about social constructs such as gender. Before colonization many Pacific Islander nations did not have a collective understanding of western constructs like gender, or the male and female binary. Many of these societies had male, female, and a third gender, an individual who would perform tasks of both male and female. Although colonization resulted in bouts of suppression or rejection of these identities, many of these individuals such as fa’afafine, from Samoa, continue to be revered as cultural preservers, healers, and assets to society. Furthermore, they continue to be a part of the global queer community, their history, and their advancement.
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​As we celebrate AAPI throughout this month of May, it is our hope from the Rural team that our AAPI individuals are valued for their contributions to society in a variety of forms: art, science, philosophy, etc… In particular we want to highlight the fa’afafine contribution to the larger conversation worldwide about gender and the binary. When we interpret this year’s AAPI heritage month’s theme “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity” in the context of our rural grant project, we see the importance of opportunity which we see as a set of circumstances that make it possible for something to take place. In order for opportunity to take place there needs to be a prioritization of representation, diversity, and providing advancement opportunities for AAPIs. Paralleling our rural grant project, we hope to promote representation of our fa’afafine, cultivate and advocate for diversity of our fa’afafine community and society as a whole, and provide opportunities for fa’afafine to share their insights and experiences of violence as well as open up future opportunities for ventures.

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5/1/2023

May 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month

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Many Samoans have a reluctance to discuss private experience, especially when it happens between parents and children.  As Samoans we are raised to hide or emotions, to comply with being “respectful” to comply with norms of fa’aaloalo.  When our behavior does not meet the moral norms of the aiga, where their conduct reflects badly on the family name, a person can feel intense guilt and shame.  For those who have mental illness, which can create a major barrier for those seeking help and recovery.  Disgrace prevents people from seeking support from their families and prevents families from seeking to aid their loved ones.  Other stressors Samoans face is when there is a breakdown of relationships.  For many Samoans interpersonal conflicts and losses can create extreme stress and emotional distress.  Conflict amongst family members and the ending of relationships can create unsafe spaces, that cause emotional distress.
How you can support someone who may be impacted by mental stress is to help them find the assistance they need.  You can also support them with your words.  Let them know you are there for support by saying, “I may not know exactly how you feel, but I’m here for you.”  Remember not to blame or shame them by telling them it is “their fault”.  Remember that not everyone wears their pain on the outside.  Do not dismiss the pain, just because you don’t think they look depressed, or frazzled.  Some people who need support might hide it or put on a good face.  Remember to just listen. 
Lastly, it is always important if you believe your loved one is at risk for self-harm, please speak up.  You can always call the National Suicide Hotline in American Samoa by dialing 988. It is ok to share concern for your loved ones.    Follow us during the month of May as we share other tools during Mental Health Awareness Month. 

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