 Tusia : Monica Veavea, ASADSV Community Trainer
O e masalomia o lo’o sauaina nisi o sui o lou aiga, se uo, po’o se tasi lua te galulue faatasi o lo’o sauaina e se paaga? Atonu e faigata ona iloa le mea e tatau ona faia, ae mafai ona faia se tulaga e ono fesoasoani atu ai. O le faailoa ma faasoa o le la’asaga muamua. O nisi nei o auala e mafai ona tatou amata ai; Aapa Atu
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O sauaga faalotoifale, o le faaaogaina po’o le faatinoina lea e se tasi o ni tulaga tau faale-tino, faale-lagona, po’o sauaga tau feusuaiga ina ia maua ai se malosiaga ma se puleaina o lana pa’aga. Atonu e faigata mo nisi ona faatinoina nisi o tulaga nei, peita’i e tatau ona faia le tatou galuega fesoasoani aemaise mo i latou e le’o iai se faamoemoega pe silafia fo’i le mea e tatau ona faia, ae po’o fea fo’i e mafai ona sulu i ai mo se to’omaga.
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 For the past several months the Alliance Training Coordinator, Judy Matautia, has been working to develop her skills as a community based participatory research thru the Intergenerational Participatory Action Research (IPAR) Project offered thru the AAPI Women LEAD. Judy has been actively executing community assessments. This is to draw out our population’s understanding of domestic violence and other topics that help the Alliance to create content, curriculum, to eliminate violence. For the past several months Judy has been actively developing her research project with the assistance and support of Senior Research Coordinator, Katherine Nasol from IPAR.
Through this project IPAR has provided participants with additional skill sets on how to obtain our communities stories thru one-on-one discussions to include Talanoa Table(s). Recruitment of 5-7 individuals was needed to share their thoughts about domestic violence, what it looks like in our community and the cultural aspects. Over the past month Judy has mined and extracted the data to help determine the communities’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about domestic violence. The skill sets learned thru this project will support the Alliance’s Team the ability to engage our community, identify how we meet their needs to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The Alliance would like to provide a big thank you (fa’afetai) to IPAR Interim Executive Director, Dr. Connie Wun who allowed the Alliance to participate in a National Research Project, and her team. Please follow us as we provide more information on the finished project. 
Written by: Mary Peck
Since 1989, October has served as a time to acknowledge the struggles of domestic violence survivors and raise awareness for the violence that families around the world are facing. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience “severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking.” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a call for awareness and for change, but it is also a call to support those in our community who are impacted by domestic violence. For survivors of domestic violence, and the advocates who work with those survivors, there are long-lasting effects that can reduce wellness. This DVAM, let’s look at some of the ways that advocates and survivors can improve their wellness, including mindfulness, creative expression, and spending time in nature. THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: SURVIVORSAccording to the World Health Organization, 26% of women around the world have experience physical or sexual violence from their former or current male intimate partners. The American Psychiatric Association details the mental and physical impact that intimate partner violence can have on survivors, including: Symptoms of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Feelings of blame, anger, and resentment towards themselves; Obsessive, compulsive, and self-destructive behaviors; Physical symptoms such as hyperventilation, insomnia, and chronic pain. Every survivor of domestic violence has varying reactions to their experiences. Finding ways to promote wellness for survivors is important for their long-term health and quality of life. THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: ADVOCATES Those who work closely with survivors of domestic violence, including victim advocates, healthcare professionals, social workers, counselors, and others, are exposed to an often overlooked type of trauma. Vicarious trauma, also known as compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress, is something that advocates experience as a result of hearing the traumatic stories of domestic violence survivors and witnessing the fear and pain that the survivors are experiencing. For many people that work with survivors, constant exposure to this vicarious trauma can lead to a long list of worrying symptoms. According to the American Counseling Association, some signs of vicarious trauma include: Losing sleep due to worry about the survivors they work with; Feelings of anger, irritation, and jumpiness; Feeling hopeless or trapped in their current profession. Advocates experiencing vicarious trauma may experience changes in their job performance, values, behaviors, and relationships. The impacts of vicarious trauma are far-reaching and can negatively impact an advocate’s quality of life. WELLNESS TOOL #1: MINDFULNESSMindfulness practices have two main goals: Being aware in the present moment. Experiencing your thoughts and feelings without judging them as “right” or “wrong.” Mindfulness doesn’t have to involve meditating for hours on end–it can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and grounding yourself in the present moment. Meditation and mindfulness have been found to help people who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and even high blood pressure. WELLNESS TOOL #2: CREATIVE EXPRESSIONFor some advocates and survivors, using creative expression can be a powerful tool for improving wellness. Some forms of creative expression you may find useful include: Writing Visual art Music Dance and movement The Alliance regularly offers creative expression workshops for survivors and advocates, including the three-part Healing Through Writing Workshop. This workshop focuses on improving wellness and resiliency through mindfulness, journaling, and poetry. Participants are able to try different types of writing, share their work with other participants, and begin to develop a journaling habit that can improve their wellness and provide an outlet for creative expression. WELLNESS TOOL #3: TIME IN NATURESpending time in nature is linked to cognitive benefits and positive effects on mental health. Getting outside and spending time in natural spaces, away from screens and technology, is a simple way to reduce stress, improve attention, and promote increased positive thinking and happiness. FINDING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN AMERICAN SAMOA AND BEYONDBeyond the wellness tools listed above, there are resources that are available to survivors and advocates that can help you to deal with the stress and trauma caused by domestic violence. In American Samoa, organizations providing these resources include: American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Department of Health, Behavioral Services Office Veterans Affairs Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs And many more! In addition to on-island resources, there are digital resources for survivors and advocates who want to improve their wellness. These resources, provided by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community group, create a network of care for survivors and advocates. These digital resources are widespread, but some examples include: University of Buffalo, School of Social Work’s “Self-Care Starter Kit” Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others (ebook PDF) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mental Health Information There are tools and community resources available for improving the wellness of survivors and advocates. ASKING FOR HELPIf you are a survivor of domestic violence or an advocate, there may come a time when you need to seek professional help from a counselor. Working with a licensed social worker, psychologist, or doctor can help give you access to guidance and resources beyond the wellness tips provided in this article. If your mental health has taken a sharp decline and you need help on your healing journey, there are people who are willing to help and support you. If you are a survivor or advocate in American Samoa who is looking for information about available resources on-island, please call the Alliance at (684) 699-0272.   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.
**Special thanks to-
 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.  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 9/18/2023 Working together to Identify Victims of Domestic Violence in American Samoa and Finding SupportRead Now
 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. |
