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   
​

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

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

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

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

Author:  Eleanor Sogialofa
The Alliance would like to support the thoughts and visions of our youth.  Eleanor Sogialofa supports our media team, and she provides a voice for the youth.  Each month Eleanor will write a piece based on her perspective.  As we look to develop change agents we are proud to support her writings. 


What is 20/60/20?
Most work places have 20/60/20 staffing. 20 % of those staff members are visionaries. They carry the vision and mission of the work place and aid in pushing everything forward. 60% of those staff members are maintenance. They come in, get the work done; they’re on time, do the best that they can nothing more and nothing less. The last 20% of those members are resistors. This 20% are in the resistance phase, where they challenge why you are doing things a certain way and makes sure that everybody knows that they are not happy at the workplace.

Why is it important to know?
It is an important fact to know because you get a general idea of people you work with. As management and leadership it is how you set the tone around putting your efforts in challenging your employees to grow. The 60 and 20 percent is where your energy lies most because you mentor and coach them. That’s 80% of your staff that are there to show up and collect a paycheck. That is a conflict because their work is not genuine, they can cause conflict amongst other coworkers, and they can be careless to certain duties in the workplace.

Who does it affect?
It is great for both management and staff. This visual will help Management and leadership find ways to help that 80 % grow and see what can be done to help them (the staff). This will also help the staff in a way that will reveal to them as they self reflect if there is something that can be done. It gives the stat stuff under the 80% to see what makes them feel the way they do at work, why does work make them feel that way and what are some solutions that can help resolve this conflict.

 For the past few years the Alliance Team has invested in an exercise “My One Word” from a book by Mike Ashcroft & Rachel Olson.  The two authors focus on the power and beauty in words, and how they help to create movement. Words help us to focus and expand our horizons, and place in our minds a world of possibilities.  This year one of our staff chose the word “unravel”.  The intersections of oppression, domestic violence and sexual assault requires a lot of unraveling.  In our ASTA (Awareness, Sharing, Training, Action) bimonthly sessions we focused on “Unraveling Oppression”.

                The funding provided to the Alliance dictates our workplans to educate, promote awareness and build capacity for our member organizations, and partners regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.  Discussions center on power and control. The Duluth Model of power and control provides the framework which includes tactics used by perpetrators to control victims.  Feminists who work in areas of domestic violence and sexual assault believe the foundation of power and control stems from oppression.   Oppression comes in many forms, with sexism being one of the most well-known form.

                Sexism is a system of power in which men have power in society over women.  For physical and sexual violence men will use their power to isolate victims.  They will control who they see, where she goes, and limits any outside connections.  Abusers will use intimidation, making the victim feel afraid through looks, actions, smashing things, or destroying her property.  Male privilege, where the victim is made to feel like a servant, and he acts like the “master of the castle”.   Abusers will define men’s and women’s roles to keep the victim under control. 

                The most prevalent and unnoticed cultural impact on the lives of women is the treatment they receive by society because they are female.  In Samoa we have a patriarchal society, where men hold power in matai settings, church settings, and system of government.  It is important that we understand how our cultural messages influence the lens in which we see the world.  In our ASTA what we unraveled is our cultural foundations, the “Fa’aSamoa”, religion, and government, are tangled with the oppression, and violence. 

                There is much to be unraveled as we look to define our stories (i.e. where a woman is unable to take care of herself and requires a man to be sole provider, and authority in the home.  In the coming months we will share our discussions on gender roles, and its intersections with violence. We invite you to learn from our sharing.