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Walk a Mile in Her Shoes ‘ Raising awareness on domestic violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month logo
AMATA WELCOMES GRANTS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND JUSTICE PROGRAMS

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — To close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month several local agencies and government departments are banding together to host a walk aimed at bringing awareness to services that are available locally for domestic violence victims and their families.

Called “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes”, the all ages event will be held next Thursday, Oct. 31st at 7a.m. starting at the Matafao area heading towards the DHSS headquarters in Utulei.

All attendees are encouraged to wear their heels, gladiators, platforms, or even sandals. “By walking a mile in a woman’s shoes, each person will understand the pain and discomfort that a woman faces during and after a domestic violence incident,” according to the event flyer.

“This is a painful journey into surviving and recovery and most times, the victim suffers alone.” The event “will allow the public to feel the pain/challenges of this journey, as well as bringing awareness to services that are provided for victims and their families.”

The event is being spearheaded by the Dept. of Human and Social Services (DHSS) Adult Protective Services & Homeless Shelter; Am Samoa Alliance Against Domestic Violence; the Attorney General’s Office; Catholic Social Services; LBJ Medical Center’s Social Services Division; EPIC; and the Dept. of Youth and Women’s Affairs.

GRANTS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND JUSTICE PROGRAMS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming four grants from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), totaling $1,272,409 for American Samoa.

The grants, from four different programs within OVW, include two grants for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Pago Pago of $350,000 and $242,217. Two grants are for the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency in Utulei, and those amounts are $618,450 and $61,742.

“Congratulations to the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence,” said Aumua Amata. “This is an important effort that we all can support. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we all can help be aware on behalf of those vulnerable to mistreatment.” 

“Congratulations to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency and Director Lesei'au T. Laumoli,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “These grants support necessary programs in the Territory that are obtained through this Department’s efforts.”

“Finally, I appreciate these federal funds and recognition of American Samoa’s needs from U.S. Attorney General William Barr, and OVW Acting Director Laura Rogers,” concluded Amata.

(Source: Office of the Congresswoman)