thatWritten by:  Jennifer Tofaeono 
Domestic violence and sexual assault are pervasive and challenging social issues in American Samoa.  Both Domestic violence and sexual assault have tremendous impact on both victims, as well as family members.  It creates devastating physical, emotional, psychological, and economic consequences for victims. Two out of every three Pacific Island women have been faced with domestic violence, and sexual assault stories litter our Samoan Newspaper every month.  We know domestic violence and sexual assault exist in our workplace, in our schools, in our community, and in our family.   
                Over the past two years the Board of Directors, and staff of the Alliance have developed a strategic plan that creates the framework in which we do our work.  Our strategic plan provides a roadmap to connect how we think about a problem, and the activities.  Our methods are supported by our activities and practices involved to address the problem.  We evaluate our outcomes to ensure they meet our desired goals.  The pieces of a strategic plan, including activities, and outcomes is the way we communicate and define what we do, and why we do it.  Every community engagement, every webinar, every podcast, every newsletter is designed to meet our strategic plan.  This framework creates accountability.  The mission of the Alliance is to empower individuals, and communities in American Samoa through collaboration, promoting resiliency, and strengthening capacity to eliminate Domestic and Sexual Violence.
                We realize that we cannot do this alone.  Our organization is reliant on our partnerships, and the alliances we form.  Over the next few months, we will be highlighting member organizations who carry the load of the work to fight domestic violence and sexual assault.  It is their hearts to help make a change in our community, as well as lend a helping hand that creates change.  We will ask them about their challenges, as well as the successes of working in our community.  This month we will highlight Mana Support Services, led, and founded by Elizabeth “Liz” Mailo.  Please join us every month to learn or hear more about the challenges our community advocates face, as well as their successes.  

Written by:  Gabrielle Langkilde
​In early June, as Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests were breaking out all over the US mainland and abroad, there seemed to be a disconnect between how the protests that were happening off-island related to us here in American Samoa. General comments I often heard in reference to BLM protests were, “Isn’t it so sad what’s going on off-island?” or “Good thing we don’t have those types of problems [read “racial issues”] here in American Samoa.” Even when a few protests happened here in our very own territory, there seemed to be confusion amongst the general public about why BLM protests were even being held in American Samoa, since it just didn’t seem like “our issue” to be protesting about.
 
In response to this, the American Samoa Alliance against Domestic and Sexual Violence hosted the first ever “Unpacking Anti-Blackness in American Samoa” open workshop event in American Samoa on July 2nd, 2020. As a summer intern at the Alliance, I had approached Director Jennifer Tofaeono with the idea for hosting this workshop in early June. And even though it was not a part of the deliverables in my original contract, Jennifer was not only gracious enough to adjust my contract accordingly, but also she was just as excited at the idea as I was and wholeheartedly prepared to support me in any way possible. With her and the rest of the Alliance team’s support, I was able to design and develop an educational, interactive workshop event to engage participants in thinking critically about anti-Blackness, the ways it manifests in American Samoa, its consequences, and what steps we can take individually and collectively toward combating it in our community.
 
While our main goal was to try to help participants understand the gravity of BLM protests and why issues of anti-Blackness were also extremely relevant to us living here in American Samoa, we also recognized the importance of just being able to provide a brave space for our people here to learn and engage with these concepts in the first place. Having grown up in American Samoa, I don’t remember a time in my primary and secondary schooling where I was empowered to speak about issues of race, gender, class, sexuality, etc. In fact, I was never given the language to express my feelings about those issues. For example, I was not equipped with vocabulary like “white privilege”, “anti-Blackness”, “colorism”, “heteronormativity”, “intersectionality”, etc. before having gone off to college and taken Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies courses or critical race theory classes. And I’m sure that this is the case for most people who’ve been raised here in American Samoa. 
 
At the workshop, I was glad to see participants from different backgrounds, regarding age range and educational background. As I led the workshop, I watched in awe as participants quickly picked up on concepts such as “privilege”, “intersectionality”, and “anti-Blackness”, and already began applying them in our discussions. We discussed what anti-Blackness is and how we ourselves might perpetuate it in the language we use, the beauty standards we hold ourselves too, and the ways in which we appropriate Black culture. Perhaps what I was most proud of was to see participants apply an intersectional lens in our discussions, recognizing the multi-dimensional complexity of their identities and how anti-Blackness affects people differently.
While the workshop was a success and participants walked away feeling prepared to discuss and challenge anti-Blackness in their own communities, the work towards dismantling anti-Blackness in our community is far from done. In fact, this is just the beginning. Before we can even begin to tackle systemic racism and anti-Blackness in institutions, we must first educate ourselves and tackle it within our own families, friend groups, work environments, and other smaller communities. I must also recognize that I too still have so much work to do, but that’s the thing about anti-racist work. It’s a lifelong dedication.

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono 
Conversation with Mana Community Support Services founder and community advocate, Elizabeth “Liz” Mailo:
 
            In 2011 Mana Community Support Services, a 501C3 Nonprofit organization was established.  It is a volunteer-based organization with strong work agreements and partnerships with Office of Protection for AD, and Department of Human Social Services.  Referrals work closely with Liz Mailo, Community Advocate who provides various services for victims of violence and those afflicted with mana (mental) health issues.  “Many times, I will advocate for clients by connecting with their doctors for their meds, if they cannot go to the hospital,” shared Liz, “I work closely with Dr. Biukoto, as we share the same clientele.  We work together to identify what works best for the client and families.”
           
            Mana Community Support services offer advocacy, peer support mentoring, counseling for dual diagnosis individuals (those who suffer from both Mana Health and substance abuse), family support and education about Mana Health.  When asked to describe challenges of clients, Liz shared, “I work with families on strategies to de-escalate stressful situations”, versus immediate contact with police officers who may not know the mana health needs.  “When episodes are violent  families will call the police to intervene, and most cases they will send the individual to Tafuna Correction Facility,” shared Liz, “but if I am there I work with the officers to place the individual at Behavioral Health Unit, this allows us to work with the physicians to meet the clients medical needs.”  Many times, she will meet them at the home, or hospital to help transition the client to the hospital.
 
            Additional services provided, peer support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Groups meet every Thursday 9am to 10am.  The group determines a “safe space”, where survivors facilitate and lead the discussions based on need.  Any participants who express the desire to harm themselves, or need additional assistance, are immediately connected to Department of Human Social Services or hospital for assessment.  Mana Strong Group Support sessions are for individuals with mana health and substance abuse issues, are held online with others from across the country.  Meetings are Thursday. Participants learn about triggers and coping skills, as well as how to support each other using “I” sentences, versus “We”, to refocus on the individual, making it about them, not anyone else.  “We continue to learn, share and discuss ways to feel safe and secure, providing support to move forward,” stated Liz Mailo, “learning to let go things not in their control.”  All these services are free.
 
The biggest challenges Liz shared, “Is lack of understanding from service providers, and confidentiality in the community.” Mana Support ensures to gain permission from the clients first.  Confidentiality forms are provided if the client requests.  Mailo confirms, “What the person wants to keep secret, remains secret, until they say otherwise.” Another challenge can be working with service providers who work in silos.  “They will only work with one provider, versus coordinating care, using a group with many tools and support versus one, can be a barrier,” shares Ms. Mailo.  She looks forward to being part of the solution to eliminate the barriers for clients and the community.
 
When asked to provide an example of the “best” change in our community for Mana Health clientele and survivors Liz stated,  “Families are getting to be more acceptable of the needs of their loved ones suffering from Mana Health and substance abuse issue.”  They are working as a team to help the individual. More often she sees families who listen, and know when to step away, and provide clientele leeway to advocate for themselves, giving them confidence. She feels, it is about having a voice, and being heard by the family, not being treated only as a person with a disability and poses a challenge to the community/family.     
 
If you would like more information please contact Liz Mailo at email:   mailo02324@gmail.com or by phone: 684-252-1285.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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