Amata Welcomes $900,000 in OVW Grants for Domestic Violence Survivor Services
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) that two American Samoa nonprofit organizations have been awarded federal grants totaling $900,000 to strengthen services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The federal awards include $500,000 for Intersections, Inc. and $400,000 for Empowering Pacific Island Communities, Inc., through the OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Enhance Community-based Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program. Both grants begin August 1, 2026, and continue through July 31, 2029.
“These are important, needful programs that provide support and hope for survivors while strengthening our communities,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations and thank you to Melody Soi of Intersections, Inc., Kathryn McCutchan of Empowering Pacific Island Communities, and everyone involved in earning these competitive federal grants and the services they provide. I appreciate your dedication to serving the people of American Samoa and helping those facing difficult circumstances.”
The grant to Intersections, Inc. will support culturally specific services for victims of violence by providing faith leaders with training and resources to better identify and assist victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The grant to Empowering Pacific Island Communities, Inc. will provide culturally specific case management and behavioral health services for survivors, improving access to support and resources for individuals facing barriers to traditional services.
“Thank you to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the leadership of the Office on Violence Against Women for continuing to invest in programs that protect and support survivors in American Samoa,” concluded Congresswoman Amata.
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