CJPA opens workshops for multi-disciplinary training for First Responders

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With the support of the current administration, the Criminal Justice Planning Agency through a VAWA STOP grant will deliver a series of workshops in American Samoa beginning with two one-day trainings for LBJ medical professionals, Criminal Investigators and Emergency Medical Services at LBJ Medical Center.

Oct. 3 & 4 — The training, Medical Evidence of Strangulation, focused on preparing medical professionals to testify when needed in criminal and civil litigation and to accurately identify strangulation.

The medical training team is led by internationally recognized forensics expert, Police Surgeon, Dr. William Smock and trainer Bethany Brueggen with expertise in SANE/SAFE (Sex Assault Nurse Examiner/Sex Assault Forensic Examiner) documentation and training programs as well as criminal justice responses and victim advocacy.

The same team will be participating in a broader, multi-disciplinary training October 6 - 8.

The first day will be dedicated to training on research and building improved systems responses to severe forms of domestic violence including strangulation. The second day, led by Terrilyn Lum, Chapter Coordinator of the Hawaii Children's Justice Centers will focus on the General Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse. As part of this training outreach, local partners will be exploring the introduction of a Children's Justice Center in American Samoa in 2026. The culmination of the second training includes a panel presentation by local leaders in the field examining current systems responses to child maltreatment and the vision for the future.

The third day will be an opportunity for the community and Faith Based leaders to participate in three different, dynamic training tracks. The first track, "Teu le Va" will, under the leadership of Reggie Meredith Fitiao, explore healing and life transitions through art. An exhibit will be displayed where participants are invited to explore experiences with adversity and violence in the context of artistic expression.

Co-presenter, Dr. Trina Nahm-Mijo is a leader in dance in the Pacific, the founder of the Big Island Dance Council, a Professor of Psychology (ret.) and a Council Member on the Compassion and Choices' Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Council. The afternoon "Teu le Va" track will be exploring end-of-life transitions, also through the lens of art.

Compassion & Choices, a national partner, is co-sponsoring this training outreach and will help connect local communities with end-of-life resources. Compassion & Choices, Deputy Director María Otero will co-present the “Teu le Va” session and lead a Motivational Interviewing training for CHWs, pastors, and community leaders. The session will cover culturally relevant tools, the Stages of Change model, and use of the My End-of-Life Decisions, An Advance Planning Guide and Toolkit to support informed, values-driven care.

Compassion & Choices is building ties with Polynesian and Micronesian communities through art and culture to support culturally rooted end-of-life care (sponsoring many Pacific events and artists @Navigating Pacific Art and Culture on both Facebook and Instagram).

Former Assistant Attorney General Suzanna Tiapula Mamea will also be delivering training on testifying in court, investigation and prosecution of child physical abuse and neglect and human trafficking. For additional information about this conference series, please contact Suzanna Tiapula at [email protected] or Ipu Lefiti at [email protected].