Amata Welcomes $950,000 For Private Sector Efforts To Combat Violence Against Women

Press Release

Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming the announcement of $950,000 in federal funds for programs that seek to identify, assess, and respond to instances of domestic violence and sexual assault. This grant, administered by the US Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is awarded to the American Samoa Legal Aid, Inc.

The grant is intended to support programs that comprehensively address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These programs are expected to implement or expand cooperative projects with law enforcement, provide treatment and counseling, and work with the community to address sexual and domestic violence.

"I am very pleased and welcome wholeheartedly these important funds for our private sector," Amata said. "Coupled with the grants that our government programs received in the previous weeks, this shows that we are on the right track to effect a community-wide effort to eradicate violence against women in our society."

"I congratulate American Samoa Legal Aid Chairman Larry Sanitoa, Executive Director Scott Hess, and all the hard-working employees of the organization for their work to win this grant. I also thank U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and OVW Acting Director Allison Randall for their assistance to American Samoa."

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