Sexual Assault Awareness Month What does it mean to the community?

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Executive Director
Every April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  This year the theme, as promoted by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is Drawing Connections, Prevention Demands Equity.  The message calls on organizations, communities, and citizens to adjust, as people, and the systems we live in. Statistics show more than 2 out of 3 Samoan women are abused in their lifetime.  47% of all transgender people have been sexually assaulted (James et al, 2016).   
We know that sexual abuse lives and breathes in American Samoa.  For this reason it is critical that we look at our cultural practices, and unpack what systematic mistreatment, exploitation, and abuse of communities and groups to identify oppression.  We define oppression as one group wields their power over another    Oppression lives in breathes in three different levels, interpersonal, institutional, and internalized.  We recognize oppression finds itself in spaces of race, or ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class, gender, and many more.  Oppression gathers its strength when communities support policies based on the belief system, “That’s our culture”, “That’s how it’s always been.” 
Governance practices in our community, such as the Fa’amatai, is crucial to the way families are managed.  The Fa’amatai system promotes the practice of safeguarding the well-being and welfare of the families, yet the balance of power is held mainly by a select few, who are mainly men.  In our political setting men hold important status in representing our families, yet women are relegated to support systems.   Institutions, like the Fa’amatai system contribute or reinforce the oppression within our community.  The question is can we develop a Fa’amatai system that is inclusive to all?
It is important for American Samoa to change the lens in which we relate to each other.  We need to develop more common ground to develop equity and dignity for all people.  Building these spaces can be uncomfortable and difficult.  We encourage our community to show up with bravery and respect to create the change we need, to eliminate violence.  It is important we listen to each other and recognize that we can all be problem solvers.