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DYS: 200 reports of child abuse in NMI in FY 2018
A total of 200 cases of alleged child abuse and neglect were reported to the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Division of Youth Services in fiscal year 2018 alone.
This sobering number was highlighted in yesterday’s proclamation signing at the Chacha Oceanview Middle School in Kagman for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios signed the proclamation.
Of the 200, DYS reported that 185 cases were reported on Saipan, 10 on Tinian, and five on Rota, involving a total of 337 allegations that encompassed 49 physical abuse allegations, 45 sexual abuse allegations, 118 emotional abuse allegations, 59 negligence cases, and 66 other cases such as suicide, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, drug use, and minor sex trafficking.
This year’s theme is “Protecting children is everyone’s mission.”
“DYS will continue to provide prevention programs and intervention services to highlight and build on family protective factors while also working toward reducing risk factors in its continued efforts to ultimately strengthen families in the CNMI,” the proclamation stated.
DYS administrator Vivian Sablan reiterated this with Saipan Tribune. (Erwin Encinares)
MD: DYS reports over 200 reported cases of child abuse.
KWL DYS, Child abuse, Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios, DCCA.
