In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Social Science Department and the Psychology Club at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) sponsored a Domestic Violence Awareness Forum on Friday, October 21.
O One of the speakers Mr. Robert Toelupe, Counselor at the Veteran’s Center, shared that from his counseling experience he has observed that many adults face a challenge when processing emotions, particularly negative emotions.
Most people, Mr. Toelupe explained, take a passive attitude towards their own feelings, until an unhealthy emotional buildup results in a sudden shift from passivity to aggression.
He suggested that many individuals need to think about their own response to conflict and the resulting emotions, and follow a path of assertiveness (which is different from aggression), in which a balance is struck between respect for the feelings of others and respect for the individual’s own feelings.
He also stated that adults frequently prioritize material success and outward appearance over genuine emotional well-being.
“No success can compensate for failure in the home,” Mr. Toelupe reminded the audience.
Mrs. Genevieve Young-Taele of DHSS, described a new Intervention Program for Intimate Partner Violence she calls the “Amana’ia” Program.
“Amana’ia” differs from previous intervention programs in that it emphasizes the rehabilitation of the perpetrator along with assistance for the victim.
Mrs. Young-Taele said, “For there to be a lasting solution to domestic violence, we need to change the mindset of its perpetrators,”
Fainuulelei Falefatu Alailima Utu of the American Samoa Legal Aid Society provided the last discussion of the forum.
He outlined some of the legal options available to victims of domestic violence, including a Civil Protection Order (CPO), which he described as particularly effective.
Fainuulelei explained a victim can simply fill out a form describing the kind of protection he/she needs, and once the court approves the CPO, then a perpetrator can be arrested for violating it.
He said, “Many victims of domestic violence follow the criminal route, but may not be aware that there is a civil route that can also guarantee them a high degree of safety.”
