Two victims speak out against abuse, violence against women

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, reads the proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month, while Division of Youth Services administrator Vivian T. Sablan and members of the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence look on in last Friday’s signing at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center in Susupe. (Jon Perez)

It took a lot of guts and courage for two women who are victims of violence to speak out and tell their respective stories. Both were victims of sexual assault and they want the public to know of the abuse they have experienced.

The two women recalled every detail of the things that happened in their lives, the struggles, and how they faced those struggles in order to triumph in last Friday’s proclamation signing by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres declaring April as Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month. One turned her story into a poem.

Their stories drew tears and sympathy to a packed crowd—that included members of the CNMI Legislature, Attorney General Edward Manibusan, Superior Court Judge Kenneth L. Govendo Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence personnel, and Division of Youth Services administrator Vivian T. Sablan and her staff—at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center in Susupe.

Members from the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence applauded the two women for having the courage to speak out and tell their stories to the community.

The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence executive director, Maisie B. Tenorio, in an earlier email, said they teamed up again with the [Department of Community and Cultural Affairs] Division of Youth Services.

“To bring you a campaign focused on creating safety for all citizens of our Commonwealth, including those most vulnerable. We invite you to join us this April and throughout the year as we work to create a CNMI that is free of violence and abuse,” said Tenorio.

Mayors David M. Apatang (Saipan) and Jerome K. Aldan (Northern Islands), Saipan Mayor’s Office staff, members of the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, personnel from the Department of Public Safety—led by commissioner Robert Guerrero—and Department of Fire Emergency Medical Services, Police and Fire Academy cadets were also present.

Organizers of the event wanted to increase awareness, strength, and response against sexual assault and child abuse that’s why they lined up various activities for the whole month.

They will be holding a weekly Walk Against Sexual Violence, hold talks to various schools to promote awareness to the students, and hold Project Prom Drive where they would collect prom dresses for the underprivileged.