Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director, Alliance
Research shows strong link between optimism and longevity. People who are resilient become positive and optimistic.  They can regulate their feelings in critical situations to maintain their optimism.  Dr. Krystal Evans stated, “Optimism is empowering.  It’s the belief that no matter what challenges you face, that you can make a difference.”
            Victims of domestic and sexual violence face extreme challenges, to pathway from hurting to healing.  Victims ask, “will this pain ever end?”.  Advocates can remind victims “the pain you feel will end when the trauma you have experienced is listened to, gently spoken to and holistically healed.”   
            When engaging a victim, you can reduce their sense of helplessness    Ensuring victims that it is not their fault, taking construction action (primary control) begins the work to healing.  Using optimism advocates can remind victims that there is darkness, but healing can allow for release. Optimism can help to set them free from the pain and restraints of abuse.
             Tips to provide victims is distraction when thinking negative thoughts.  One example wearing an elastic band on their wrist.  The victim snaps the band when they begin to have negative situation.  Victims who may begin to “miss” their abuser can use the skill of disputation, where they argue against their thoughts.  They can remind themselves of the negative behavior in the relationship like when the abuser put her down, made her feel bad about herself, or made her afraid by smashing things, destroying her property, controlling what she does, who she sees, to help her realize the relationship was built on mistruths. 
             Optimism, like any habit, can be developed with effort and desire for change. Advocates can encourage victims to remember the abuse was not their fault, but more importantly they have the confidence to choose change.   

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director, ASADSV ​
Welcome to 2021!  Like many of us, at the beginning of December I take stock, assess what worked, and what needs to change for the coming year.  2020 has been grueling, often challenging, and I for one am happy to welcome 2021. This new year I feel there is hope in the work we do as the recognized American Samoa Dual Coalition (focusing on both domestic violence and sexual violence).
The Alliance is funded by two federal grants.  The scope of the anti-sexual violence/anti-domestic violence coalition was made with room to grow, understanding that creating collaborative efforts must be focused on the requisites of the community.  It is important to remember that not one shoe fits every Coalition.  In American Samoa the Fa’aSamoa plays an integral role in the village setting, family setting, religion, as well as political positions (i.e. Samoan Senators who are matai’s voted by their village).
Over the past few years, the Alliance has held listening sessions (Talanoa Tables) asking the community the lens in which they see violence, and how does the Fa’aSamoa impact our response to violence.   We have asked victims of domestic and sexual violence to share their stories on the local services provided.  Providers were asked to share their knowledge and awareness regarding available services for victims of violence.  We continue to ask the community to provide their feedback, and that has helped to tailor the education, messages used to promote awareness in American Samoa about violence.  The hope is to decrease the tolerance of violence in our community.
In 2021, the Alliance will continue to hold Talanoa Sessions, gaining from the community their knowledge, and beliefs about violence to ensure our messages are culturally appropriate.  We will continue to work together with our partners through our Sexual Assault Response Team/Community Coordinated Response Meetings that are held monthly.   These meeting support the work of local advocates providing direct services, statewide policy makers, and federal response to eliminate the challenges and improve the response to violence against women in our community. In the time of Covid-19 we will continue to increase virtual meetings to meet the local government requirements of social distancing.  There will be more podcasts to share the work of other service providers, or advocates in our community, even to include those from off island.  Each month we will increase awareness of the impact of violence through our Tusitala Newsletter, while featuring the work we do in the community.  We will continue to increase partnerships and collaboration, with service providers and advocates through supportive efforts to improve the lives of victims of domestic and sexual violence.   
Although 2020 was a difficult year, the Alliance Team welcomes 2021 with a heart of hope.  Please join us, by being an active participant with the Alliance.  Follow us as we communicate our calendar of events, learn more about our Talanoa Sessions, and share your insights.  Remember it takes a village to make a change.  Join us in 2021!! 

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director

When we speak of Domestic Violence you probably have heard about power and control.  During October we posted a picture of the Duluth Model the Power and Control Wheel on our Facebook page.  The wheel is a diagram of tactics used by abusive partners to ensure victims remain in the relationship. Tactics abusive partners use, are isolation, intimidation, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and male privilege. 
Researchers believe the main drive for abusive behavior by partners is due to male privilege or entitlement.   It is a male  notion, “I can dominate you”, “control you”, and resort to physical dominance to cause harm.  For male abusers, entitlement is attached to the core of who they are.  Many men will not relinquish entitlement and will do everything to maintain power and control over the abused.  Examples of what entitled abusers will say, “You need to do what I say, because I am the man of the house.” Many times, entitled abusers have a difficult time negotiating with their partners because they do not feel the female is equal to him.  They feel they are smarter, and better than her.  They are threatened with the thought of equality, as it lessens their manhood. 
An abuser uses entitlement as a critical part of their thought process and belief systems.  They mentally carry a belief system of superiority over their partner, but do not feel the same with other people.  When an abuser is in a work setting, they can negotiate, have healthy dialogue.  They may feel the power structure is appropriate, and it is acceptable.   Abusers feel their partners are NOT entitled to negotiate or respond because there is no equality in the relationship.  He is the authority in the relationship and entitled to hold the power and control  of the relationship.
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship practiced by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.  It is a learned behavior.  Substance abuse such as drugs, or alcohol can lead to incidences of violence. The sense of entitlement in the abuser allows them to beat and batter their partner.  Because it is learned, we recognized we can unlearn negative behavior. 
Most abusers when asked why they abuse, will say they have witnessed the behavior from other family members, and it may be intergenerational (from father, grandfather, uncle, etc).  Samoan men  have shared stories where they were beaten by their parents and do the same to their children, as well as wives/partner. Growing up in an abusive environment will automatically have toxic behavior.  It is important to remember distance from abusive behavior, and time can be the beginning of adopting new and healthier behaviors.
Follow us as we continue to discuss ways to change behavior. If you have additional questions, please email: asadsv@gmail.com title the email “Male Entitlement”.  An Alliance staff will respond to your questions.  

LOLO M. MOLIGA             LEMANU P. MAUGA GOVERNOR        LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
American Samoa Government
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH (DVAM)
OCTOBER 2020WHEREAS, domestic violence destroys communities, relationships, and lives, and shatters the bedrock of our society -the family. Homes should be places of comfort and stability where love and mutual respect thrive. Domestic violence erodes our environment leaving many of our community in potentially life-threatening situations. It weakens our families, our villages, our community; and
WHEREAS, the experience of domestic violence is described as one unique to the context of additional oppressions based on race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, type of labor performed, level of education, class position, immigration/refugee status or disability. Still, women make up a disproportionately higher number of victims of domestic violence, with nearly half of female homicide victims killed by a current or former male partner; and
WHEREAS, for every five (5) Samoan women, three (3) are being physically abused. Physical and sexual violence experienced by Pacific Island women and girls are higher than any other region in the world. Nearly I in 7 men, and 1 out of every 10 teenagers have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, it is a public health, social justice, and human rights issue not to be ignored. Interventions require assistance at all levels to assist those who have suffered from domestic violence, and help survivors rebuild safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives; and
WHEREAS,, as a community, we must resolve to have zero tolerance for acts of domestic violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to empowering survivors and ending this deeply destructive abuse; and
WHEREAS, October 2020 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the theme “It’s On US” urges our community to stand up against violence and be active participants. ‘It’s on Us’ means we accept responsibility to help support those affected by violence and to be part of healing. We all have a duty to speak out against these to make every effort to prevent such tragedies from occurring. ‘It’s on us· means to elevate conversations by creating powerful voices to make a change; and
WHEREAS, this month we strengthen our resolve to ensure homes are places ofrefuge, comfort, and protection - and not of fear and abuse. We renew our commitment to support and protect victims. Together, we can ensure those who have suffered at the hands of abusers receive needed care and support, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect potential victims from future abuse; and
WHEREAS, the AMERICAN SAMOA ALLIANCE AGAINST DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE recognizes that more work remains until every individual is able to live free from fear. “It’s on Us” to prevent domestic violence, and strive to eliminate all its horrific forms in order to sustain the hope of a better life for victims and to foster safer homes and relationships for everyone.
NOW THEREFORE, I, LOLO MAT ALASI MOLIGA, THEREFORE, I, LOLO MATALASI MOLIGA, Governor of the Territory of American Samoa, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and endorse the commitment to ending Domestic or Family Violence in the community. I call upon all citizens of the Territory of American Samoa to stand firm in condemning domestic violence and supporting survivors of these crimes in finding the safety and recovery they need; and to support, recognize, and trust in the efforts of law enforcement, public health and service providers to hold perpetrators accountable, protect victims of crime and their communities, and prevent future violence. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my signature on this 16th day of  September, in the year of our Lord, two thousand twenty.
Masina Mo Le Fa’alauiloaina o Sauaga Fa’alotoifale Oketopa 2020TALUAI, o sauaga fa’alotoifale e fa’aleagaina nu’u ma afio’aga, mafutaga, ma ola o tagata, ma talepeina le fa’avae o mea uma -le ‘aiga. O ‘aiga e tatau ona avea ma nofoaga o le mafanafana ma le mautu, ma olaola ai le alofa ma le fefa’aaloaloai. O sauaga fa’ alotoifale e fa’ aleagaina ai le tatou si’ osi ‘omaga ma o’ o atu ai i ni tulaga e ono lamatia ai le soifua o tagata nu’u i nu’u ma afio’aga.
E fa’ato’ilalo ai o tatou ‘aiga, tatou nu’u ma afio’aga; ma
TALUAI, o le a’afia ai o se tasi i sauaga fa’alotoifale, ua fa’arnatalaina o se tasi tulaga uiga ‘ese mai nisi sauaga fa’aopoopo e fa’avae mai i ituaiga tagata, tagatanu·u, tausaga, itupil, ituaiga galuega o loo galueina, maualuga o a’oa’oga, vasega o le tamaoaiga, tulaga tau nofo mau, sulufa”i po o lei ai o ni rnana’oga fa’apitoa. Peita’i o loo maualuga pea le numera o tama’ ita’ i o loo a’ afia i sauaga fa’ alotoifale, ma e latalata i le afa o tama’ita’i ua maliliu i le solitulafono o le fasioti tagata, na fasiotia e se ali’i o loo fai ma ana pa’aga i le taimi na maliu ai, pe na avea ma ana pa·aga i se taimi ua te’a; ma
TALUAI, mai le lima (5) o tama’ita’i Samoa, e toa tolu (3) o loo sauaina fa”aletino. Mai vaega uma o le lalolagi, o le atu pasefika e maualuga ai lava ona numera ile a ’afiaga o tina ma tam a’ ita’ i i sauaga fa’ aletino ma sauaga fa· afeusua · iga. E latalata i le tasi (1)mai le fitu (7) ali’i, ma e tasi (]) mai le sefulu (10) o tupulaga talavou ua a·afia i sauaga fa’aletino matuia ma sauaina e se o loo avea ma pa’aga i lo latou olaga; ma
TALUAI, o se mata’upu tau i le soifua fa’alaua’itele, fa’amasinoga amiotonu, ma aia tatau a le tagata e le tatau ona le amanaiaina. O le fa’auilavea e mana’omia ai le fesoasoani i tulaga uma e mafai ai ona fesoasoani mo i latou ua puapuagatia mai sauaga fa’alotoifale, ma fesoasoani ia i latou ua sao mai i sauaga ina ia toe fausia ni olaga saogalemu, mautu, ma le mafai ona fa’alagolago le tagata ia te ia lava; ma
TALUAI, i le avea ai ma nu·u ma afio’aga, e tatau ona tatou faia se fa’ai’uga ina ia leai se fa’apalepale po o se taliaina o faiga o sauaga fa’alotoifale. I lenei masina e fa’atupula’ia ai le malamalama i sauaga fa’alotoifale, tatou te toe fa’amautu ma fa’amausali ai le tatou ta’utinoga tumau i le fa’amalosi’au mo i latou ua sao mai sauaga ma fa’amutaina ai nei sauaga matuia; ma
TALUAI,  o Oketopa 2020, o le masina e fa’atupula’ia ai le tatou malamalama ma le silafia e fa’atatau i sauaga fa’alotoifale ma o le manulaufi o le “E i luga o tatou” o lo o talosagaina ai o tatou nu·u ma afio’aga ina ia tutula’i e tete’e atu i sauaga ma ·auai i taumafaiga uma e tineia ai sauaga. ‘E i luga o tatou’ o Iona uiga tatou te taliaina le matafaioi o le lagolagoina o i latou ua afaina i
sauaga, ma avea i tatou ma se vaega o le fa’amalologa. E tofu uma tatou ma tiute e tautala fa’asaga i nei soligatulafono ma faia taumafaiga uma ina ia taofia ai nei fa’ alavelave mai le tupu pea.
·’E i luga o tatou’ le faatupula’ia o talanoaga e ala i le fausiaina o si’ufofoga mamana e faia se suiga; ma
TALUAI, i lenei masina, tatou te fa·amalosia ai o tatou fa·ai·uga ia fa·amautinoa o ‘aiga o ni nofoaga o le sulufa’iga, mafanafana, ma puipuiga - ae le o le fefe ma le saua. E fa’afouina le tatou ta’utinoga ina ia lagolago ma puipui i latou ua a’afia i sauaga. Mo i latou ua sauaina, e mafai ona tatou galulue fa’atasi ina ia mautinoa latou te maua se tausiga ma le lagolago o lo o mana’omia, ma taofia ma tali i moliga i latou ua molia i le tulafono, ma puipuia i latou e ono afaina i sauaga i le lumana’i; ma
TALUAI, e malamalama LE MAU A AMERIKA SAMOA E TETE’E ATU I SAUAGA FA’ALOTOIFALE MA SAUAGA FA’AFEUSUA’IGA, e fa’atumauina pea le tele le galuega se’i vagana ua
mafai e tagata uma ona ola sa’oloto mai i le fefe. “E i luga ia i tatou” le taofia o sauaga fa’alotoifale, ma taumafai ina ia ave’esea uma foliga mataga ina ia mafai ai ona fa’atumauina le fa’amoemoe mo se olaga sili atu se lelei mo i latou ua a’afia i sauaga ma tausi ma fa’afailele ai ‘aiga saogalemu ma mafutaga po o so’otaga mo tagata uma.
O LEA, IA FA’AMAUINA, O A’U O LOLO MATALASI MOLIGA, Kovana o le Teritori o Amerika Samoa, e tusa ma le pule ua tu’uina mai ia te a’u, ua ‘ou poloa’iina ai le masina o Oketopa 2020, o le “Masina Mo Le Fa’alauiloaina o Sauaga Fa’alotoifale” ma fa’amaonia le ta’utinoga ina ia fa’amutaina sauaga fa’alotoifale po o sauaga o aiga i nu’u uma ma afio’aga. Ou te vala’au atu i tagatanu’u uma o le teritori o Amerika Samoa ia tutu malosi i le fa’ato · ilaloina o sauaga fa· alotoifale ma lagolagoina i latou ua sao mai i nei solitulafono, e ala lea i le sa’iliina o le saogalernu ma le toe maua o le malosi o lo o latou man a· omia; ma ia lagolagoina, iloa, ma talitonu i taumafaiga a i latou e fa· amalosia le tulafono, fesoasoani i le tausiga o le soifua maloloina o le lautele, ma i latou o lo o avatua se ‘au’aunaga mo i latou ua a’afia i sauaga, ina ia taofia ma tali i o latou moli’aga i latou o lo o solitulafono, puipuiina i latou ua faia i ai nei solitulafono ma o latou nu’u ma afio’aga, ma puipuia mai nisi sauaga i le lumana’i.
I LE MOLIMAUINA AI, o lea ua ‘ou fa’amauina i lo’u sainia i le aso 16 lenei o Setema, i le tausaga o lo tatou Ali’i, lua afe luasefulu.
​
LOLO M. MOLIGA
Governor of American Samoa
This ad paid by The Family Violence Prevention & Services Act (FVPSA) Award #2201 ASSDVC​

September is recognized as National Campus Safety Awareness Month which brings attention to the issue of safety on campus. This encourages public conversation about violence prevention on campuses all around our nation. Although it focuses on colleges and universities it can apply to high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. Students in the country become victims of sexual assault, robbery, stalking, homicide and other crimes. 

According to campus crime statistics (2018-2020 American Samoa Community College general catalog) and  Campus Safety and Security website our local college has within the years 2015-2018 had crime offenses. The highest number of committed offenses at ASCC are burglary, Liquor violation, drug violation and sexual harassment. Aside from sexual harassment and aggravated assault, no other serious violent offense such as rape, murder have been reported between 2015-2018.  

View photo below retrieved from American Samoa Community College General Catalog 2018-2020

Although, numbers are small for Campus crime at ASCC it is still too much for such a small college. Campus violence continues to be a significant issue among mainland schools and our local students attend or transfer to as they pursue higher education. As a community and a nation we need to unite to eradicate all forms of violence on campus and navigate solutions that will work for each campus across our nation. 

Throughout the rest of the month of September we will continue to raise awareness and encourage public conversation about violence prevention on campus, through our social media platforms. 

For more information on Campus Safety awareness you may contact us via phone 699-0272 or email asadsv@gmail.com. 
​

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act also known as The Clery Act is a Federal Law that requires all colleges and universities to publish information regarding crime on and around their campuses and is enforced by the United States Department of Education. All colleges and Universities, according to the Clery Act are required to do the following with regards to sexual assault: 

1) Publish an Annual Security Report; 
2) Disclose crime statistics for incidents that occur on campus, in unobstructed public areas immediately adjacent to or running through the campus and at certain non-campus facilities; 3) Issue timely warnings about Clery Act crimes which pose a serious or ongoing threat to students and employees; and 
4) Devise an emergency response, notification, and testing policy. 

The Clery Act was named and passed after Jeanne Clery, who was raped and murdered in her dorm room by a fellow student on April 5, 1986 at Lehigh University. After her incident it led to increased attention on unreported crimes on numerous college campuses across the country. Thus, 4 years later in 1990, the Clery Act was enacted by congress. Since the enactment of the Clery Act, it has been amended 5 times to ensure increased safety and reporting measures. 

All schools and universities in the United States of America that receive any federal funding, including student financial aid, apply to The Clery Act. 

The significance of the Clery act is critical as it aids in fostering safe campuses around the nation. Students have the right to receive education in an environment where they will not be harmed or harassed. As we continue to raise awareness on Campus Safety for the month of September, we encourage students, parents and teachers to have knowledge on student rights and how to help create and foster safe campuses. Student voices need to be heard too! 
​

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a Federal Law. This Law states that:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX is a federal mandate that protects students attending educational institutions from sex discrimination. The law says that students cannot be denied participation in any school program solely based on their sex.

This law applies to all students, faculty and staff in federally funded education programs and activities. This includes private, parochial or other schools that also receive federal funding through different programs.

Before Title IX came to pass, female college athletes did not receive the same opportunists that male college athletes received. "The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which was created in 1906 to format and enforce rules in men’s football but had become the ruling body of college athletics, offered no athletic scholarships for women and held no championships for women’s teams. Furthermore, facilities, supplies and funding were lacking. "

Thus, leading to implementing such law to create equality between male and females in all educational institutes.

Information Retrieved from https://www.knowyourix.org/

The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) applies to this act. If you would like to know more about this or who you could talk to at ASCC about title IX here is some information to help you : 

LEAD TITLE IX COORDINATOR
Name: Mr. Sonny Leomiti
Title: Vice President of Administration and Finance
Address: 
PO BOX 2609
Pago Pago, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 699-9155 ext. 352
Email: s.leomiti@amsamoa.edu

For more information on Campus Safety awareness you may contact us via phone 699-0272 or email asadsv@gmail.com. ​

When I grew up I was always taught that the police are your friends.  If you ever need help, go to the police.  The job of the police is to serve and protect.  So, let’s begin here.  The other day I got into a minor fender bender in a parking lot.  The other party said it was minor so we’d take care of it on our own.  It didn’t work out that way so I called the Fagatogo police station that evening and asked them what I needed to do.  Because it was late I was told to visit the nearest station the next day to file my statement.  Well, I couldn’t make it the next day because of important meetings I had to attend, but I did go the following day.   
​
Understanding what victims of domestic/sexual violence go thru
What happened next made me think about, what victims of domestic/sexual violence must go through when they are looking for assistance from law enforcement or first responders.
As a victim advocate, I know what an effective response should look like.  In this case, it was not that.  Before I even sat down the officer was already shaking his head.  I had not even open my mouth to explain why I was there before he told me he was going to give me two citations. 
Why was I being treated like I was a criminal?
I was still shaken up and very nervous from the accident.  After all, it is not every day that a person gets into a minor fender bender, I did not know the process.  I thought I was doing the right thing yet why I was being treated like I did something wrong.   
He said, the two citations are for 1) because I got into a car accident and 2) because it was more than 24-hours after the incident.  I told the officer, “But it wasn’t my fault.”  He said it doesn’t matter. 

Lack of understanding of the system
I then said, “Show me where does it say all this, that I get 2 citations?  I have never heard of this before.  I came to you for assistance.  You didn’t pull me over somewhere.”  It was then that he ordered me to leave the station immediately, which I did.
I ended up going to Fagatogo police station, Traffic Division, the next day.  They said the same thing.  When I said that I needed to file a statement for the police report for the car insurance company they said no, I’m not allowed to.  They said, “tell it to the judge if you decide to fight the citation.” 
   
Re-victimization
I felt that was a terrible experience.  The officers seemed cold and unemotional to me, and I was never asked if I was okay.  I was never asked if I needed help. I was never asked if I understood what was available to me. I was more traumatized by the process than by the incident.
At the Alliance office where I work, I have interviewed victims of domestic/sexual violence and when asked why they didn’t report to the Police, one victim/survivor commented, “I didn’t know what to feel or do, it was complete confusion.”  Others have commented they didn’t report because, 1) they get the run-around (e.g. told to go to agency a, b, c, and d) 2) victim-blaming, 3) being threatened to be taken to jail, 4) lack of trust in the system, 5) lack of confidentiality and 6) re-victimization. 
*If you are a victim of domestic/sexual violence or know someone who is a victim there are community advocates available.  It is important that they have a victim advocate who is familiar with the system and can be a voice for them and provide support and assistance. For more information contact Mona Uli, at the Alliance 699-0272 or email:asadsv@gmail.com

Written by:  Marilyn Ho Ching, Media Coordinator

During the month of August The Alliance team shared nuggets and pieces on the significance on Women’s Equality Day. The nuggets provided information on dismantling gender oppression and how it relates to our local community. Women’s oppression still exists today. In our local society some of our women’s oppression gravitates around our Samoan cultural system and beliefs. To ensure equity it is important we begin to dismantle gender oppression and create a foundation where men and women are equal. Women’s equality day helps us to understand and see the inequity that women before and now face.

 A century ago, on August 26th, Women’s Equality Day became a day to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment in the United States Constitution. The 19th Amendment grants Women’s their right to vote. Women's Equality Day resulted from the start of the women’s suffrage movement in the 1840’s. For almost 2 centuries women have fought for their rights and equality. Many women advocates over this period of time have aided and helped to decrease the lack of gender equality. Women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfry have fought for women’s rights and equality. These women were and are change agents in regards to dismantling women’s oppression nationally and globally. 

Some achievements that women have gained are education, running businesses, participating in the workforce, participating in political activities and much more. Locally, a handful of our women have created history for our territory. Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen is the first woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa. Another woman who’s paved a way for women in American Samoa is Andrea Samoa who is the only woman who sits in the fono. Recently, Jessop Taase was just appointed the first woman to serve as American Samoa’s Attorney General (AG). 

 However, the reality of a gender equality based foundation has still yet to be achieved, not only locally but globally. Women continue to experience discrimination, inequality and violence. There needs to be a shift in the roles we place on women, men, and fa'afafine in American Samoa. When we see each other as equal, we dismantle the attitudes, and prerequisites that promote stereotyping of social roles primarily based on gender. For the rest of the month we will continue to raise awareness on women’s equality and commemorate the holiday celebrated on the 26th. ​

Written by:  Media Coordinator, Marilyn Ho Ching
We had the privilege and opportunity to conduct a podcast session with Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen. Amata was born in Washington DC and moved to Samoa as an infant, she was raised in the village of Pago Pago. Her father was the late Governor Peter Tali Coleman.

 She reminisced about young days with her father, listening to him and being very interested in politics. She recounts how she was very close to him and encouraged her to never forget about the people of American Samoa. Amata holds a psychology degree and had intended on pursuing a career in Social Work but found politics to be much more fascinating. 

When she told her father that she wanted to run for Congresswoman, he advised her that he would be difficult as she was a woman and that it would take her 20 years before she would win. It actually took her 22 years before she would take the congressional seat. She states that she is a public servant voted by the people of the territory to serve and will continue to work tirelessly for the territory. 

The Alliance invited Amata to be our guest speaker for our podcast in light of Women’s Equality Awareness. We asked questions about challenges that she faces as a woman in a predominantly male realm to her thoughts on Kamala Harris being selected to run as Vice President for the Democratic party. It is an informative and entertaining podcast.

Tune in next month when it will be available. 
​

Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
Over the last two weeks there were four(4) reported suicides.  I am not privy as to why, but I believe for an island our size, our nuclear family, as well as extended family, it raises questions.  How could this happen? Why did it happen? Could I have done something differently?  We mourn loved ones lost to suicide as well as friends who have lost someone to suicide. They are our siblings, our children, our grandchildren, our neighbors, someone important.
 “How do we fix this?”  I would like immediate action  yet sometimes the best reaction is to take a few steps back, and identify the issues.  As the Executive Director for the American Samoa Alliance, one of our strategic objective is to increase awareness about violence.  Our purpose is to help our community build an intolerance to violence, to change mindsets to  solve some of these issues that heavily impact our island.  I feel that our mission to empower individuals in community aligns with the fight against suicide.  The approach to building intolerance against violence should be the same for suicide within our community.  
 Research regarding sexual assault is associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation, attempts and death by suicide.  Sexual assault has been found to increase the risk for death by suicide by as much as 14 times for female victims compared to women who have never been assaulted (Gradus et al, 2012).  Victims with a history of childhood sexual assault/abuse are identified as significant risk factor for suicidal behavior. 2014 Pacific Islands Report identified suicide rates in Pacific Islands as some of the highest in the world, and Samoa was identified as one of the Islands.
  A popular Pacific Island Maori movie “Once were Warriors” the daughter Grace Heke commits suicide because of sexual assault.  The impacts of sexual assault on a victim even years after the assault will continue to play havoc on victim’s wellness.  A Netflix 2016 documentary Audrie & Daisy followed two young girls sexually abused.  Audrie committed suicide before filming at the age of 15.  Daisy committed suicide, August 5, 2020 at the age of 23, nine years after her assault.  As I sit here, I  wonder what do can we do with all this?  Through our work at the Alliance we focus on awareness, and I believe that is the first step to addressing suicide. 
The common misconceptions about suicide, is a person who attempts to harm themselves must be crazy.  When in fact suicidal people are not insane, or crazy.  Being upset, depressed, carrying grief—and being distressed is not a sign of a mental illness, but a cry for help or support.  Another misconception is if we talk about suicide, it gives someone the idea.  Studies show when you talk openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings you may help to save a life. Some people may believe that if someone talks about suicide, they are not going to really do it.  Wherein fact suicidal people provide a warning or clue, and its important the we listen to them.  They may jokingly say, “You’ll be sorry when I’m gone,” or “I’m anxious, and I cannot find a way out” this could be a sign of having suicidal feelings.  It is important we recognize how suicide happens, and use it as a vehicle to end suffering that has become extremely horrendous.
If there is someone you know  that you feel has suicidal tendencies it can be difficult to approach them, but the best thing to do is have a conversation.  Giving a suicidal person the chance to share their feelings can help them break from negative feelings, loneliness or pain. You can begin a conversation by saying, “I wanted to check in with you, because it seems like something is bothering you.” As you continue the conversation you can ask them, “How long have you felt this way?”, or “When did this start?” Providing support statements such as, “You are not alone. I’m here for you,” or “It may seem like your feelings won’t change, but they will,” or “It may be hard for me to understand how you feel, but know that I’m here to help, and that I care for you.”  These crucial conversations are the start to providing help to our loved ones. 

​​Important numbers:   Emergency call 911.  For Suicide Prevention call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for free confidential, 24/7 help.  You can also connect with various Suicide Helpline Chats online chat groups at:https://www.suicidestop.com/suicide_prevention_chat_usa.html   
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 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

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

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

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

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

For more information regarding the report, “Defining an Effective Response to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in American Samoa” visit our resources page.
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