Amata Welcomes DOJ Grant Award for Victim Assistance Services in American Samoa

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that American Samoa has been awarded $358,519 under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program for fiscal year 2025, as authorized by Congress.

The federal award, administered by DOJ's Office for Victims of Crime, will go to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) to support programs that directly assist victims of crime. These services include crisis counseling, criminal justice advocacy, shelter, therapy, information and referrals, and other vital support.

"This important funding helps ensure that victims of crime in American Samoa are not left to face these hardships alone," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "Thank you once again to Deputy Director Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix. Through this VOCA program, our local agencies and community organizations can provide counseling, advocacy, shelter, and other essential services for families and individuals in need. I deeply appreciate the Department of Justice's ongoing commitment to victims' services, and I especially thank all the dedicated professionals and volunteers in American Samoa who do this meaningful work each day."

The American Samoa CJPA will administer the grant by distributing funds to local service providers. The award is part of a long-standing national program authorized under federal law to ensure that states and territories can strengthen their response to crime victims.

For more information about DOJ's victim assistance programs, visit the website.

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