Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has announced that the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence will receive $353,303 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant comes through the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) as part of its State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions program.
The one-year grant is intended to support ongoing efforts to address domestic violence and sexual assault in American Samoa. Congresswoman Amata acknowledged the work behind securing these funds, stating, “Thank you especially to Fuatino Jennifer Tofaeono for her dedicated work both with the Alliance and specifically to qualify for this grant for American Samoa. Congratulations to the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Next month is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we all have a role in helping anyone who might be vulnerable to prevent these crimes in American Samoa.”
The OVW State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program is authorized by Congress under 34 U.S.C. § 10441(c) and 34 U.S.C. § 12511(d). The program provides support for state and territory coalitions working on issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
Funds from this program can be used for coordinating victim services activities within states or territories, as well as collaborating with various entities involved in addressing violence against women. Additional uses include supporting local sexual assault programs, encouraging appropriate responses from law enforcement agencies, developing responses to child custody issues involving sexual assault, conducting public education campaigns, planning grant distributions, and working with officials on policy development.
