Govendo urges lawmakers to fund Family Court

Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo urged lawmakers last Thursday to give the Judiciary more funds so it could hire additional staff for the Family Court.

Govendo, who was one of the keynote speakers at the proclamation signing that declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, said the Family Court only has two staff.

He said they put in an application for one more employee but the budget the Legislature gave the Judiciary wasn’t enough to fund the added position.

Govendo also urged lawmakers to attend the hearings in Family Court so they could experience what is really happening there.

“We handle about more than 250 cases a year. They start off usually with the victims going to the domestic intervention council or at Karidat Social Services and they fill out the petition for temporary restraining order and come to me everyday,” he said.

Govendo pointed out that the 250 cases, multiplied by the six to eight appearances in court for each case, illustrate the burden that the Family Court handles.

The judge also told community members that things have changed in the CNMI when it comes to domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is not normal. Twenty years ago, 30 years ago, when a man would get drunk and beat up his wife, the excuse was, ‘Well, that’s the way men are when they drink. It is to be expected and he’d beat you up once in awhile.’ It is not normal and more and more women are understanding that,” Govendo said.

This leads to majority of domestic violence victims going to Family Court, he said.

“I urge lawmakers to come and see how the families are breaking apart. You are welcome to sit in court. It will be an eye opener to see what is really going on in your districts,” Govendo said.

Activities, outreach

The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence has set activities and outreach for the month of October. Today, Oct. 8 there will be a Walk Against Domestic Violence from 5pm to 6pm in Kagman III at the Kagman Community Center. Other walks will be on Oct. 15 at the Dandan’s Children’s Park, and on Oct. 29 in Tanapag at the Division of Youth Services Youth Center. They will also conduct outreaches every Thursday at the Street Market this month.

Other major activities include celebrity bagging this Saturday, from 9am to 11am, at the Blue Sky Market in Chalan Piao, Joeten Shopping Center in Susupe, Welcome Market in San Roque, and Kagman Market.

On Oct. 18 there will be a Day of Unity at the Garapan Fishing Base. There will be entertainment and performances from 1pm to 4pm, the annual Men’s Walk Against Domestic Violence from 4pm to 5pm, and a Candlelight Vigil from 5pm to 6pm. The final activity will be on Oct. 31 at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library for Trunk or Treat.