Babauta tells men to stand up vs domestic abuse

Gov. Juan N. Babauta called on men to stand up against domestic violence, even as he noted that domestic violence is still prevalent in the community.

“We are asking men to take a stand against domestic violence. Men can communicate with each other that domestic violence is not acceptable, that it is a crime, and that we’d had enough,” he said in his remarks as he signed yesterday the proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

He cited that in a year’s time, two women have tragically lost their lives to domestic violence.

“Their loss of life is testament that senseless acts of violence, especially in our homes, are still prevalent within our communities. It is therefore necessary that providing safety and protection for victims and potential victims be taken more seriously,” said the governor.

He said that domestic violence is particularly devastating because it often occurs in the privacy of the home, and often witnessed by children.

The governor said he is grateful to the 14th Legislature for finally passing the Domestic Violence Criminal Act into law this year.

“It has been a long time in the making. Now the Commonwealth treats domestic violence for what it is—a crime,” he said.

By its passage, he said, CNMI people have dedicated themselves to a concerted effort “toward the death of domestic violence itself.” This year’s awareness month theme is “Enough! Domestic Violence R.I.P.”

“Because this violence usually takes place in private, many of us may not realize how widespread it is. During the month of October, we should all contemplate the scars that domestic violence leaves on our society and what each of us can do to prevent it,” the governor said.

He said that men, in particular, “can work together to reduce the pain, reduce the suffering in our families, and reduce the patterns of behavior that lead to domestic violence.”

“The Commonwealth will not tolerate abusers. That’s the bottom line,” he said.

The law, which the governor signed last May, carries a mandatory jail term for convicted abusers. Under the law, repeat offenders will receive longer sentences, while the victims and their children will receive shelter for as long as the threat continues.

Acts of domestic violence include stalking, unlawful contact, interference with attempts to report domestic violence crimes, and violating orders of protections.

The stalking portion of the bill criminalizes the non-consensual contact with a person, including unwanted phone calls, showing up at the victim’s place or work uninvited, with the intent to intimidate or harass the victim.