156 child abuse cases in FY 2013

The Division of Youth Services recorded a total of 156 reports of child abuse and neglect in fiscal year 2013, according to DYS administrator Vivian Sablan, and 116 of these were substantiated.

Citing statistic from the previous fiscal year, Sablan said these reported cases sometimes contain multiple allegations, so breaking them down results in even higher numbers: 35 cases of physical abuse, 29 emotional abuse, 54 neglect, 52 sexual abuse, and 72 for others that include suicidal cases, domestic violence where children are involved, family violence, sexual violence, trafficking of minors, and teen pregnancy.

And the numbers do not seem to be letting up.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 alone, from October to December of 2013, there were 46 new cases, according to Sablan. In the second quarter, from January to March this year, there were 50 new cases, she said.

On top of the first two quarters, there was a carryover of 63 active cases from the previous year.

Saipan Tribune learned that for fiscal year 2014, the case distribution reflects 45 cases of physical abuse, 39 emotional abuse, 63 neglect, 45 sexual abuse, and 54 others, which includes domestic violence, suicidal cases, teenage pregnancy, and other support cases.

These numbers reflect a total of 159 active cases thus far in fiscal year 2014, considering some reported cases involve multiple allegations.

Sablan said that it is for this very reason that DYS continues to build its capacity to raise awareness to prevent child abuse and neglect, respond to child abuse and neglect reports, manage and supervise cases, and provide supportive programs and services.

“We want to bring public awareness on child abuse and neglect issues and its prevalence in our community by highlighting key prevention strategies, programs, and services that are made available not only through DYS, but with other critical social service providers and community partners,” Sablan said.

As part of the monthlong activities to highlight April as “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month,” Sablan said that DYS is raising awareness among school-aged children by holding presentations in both public and private schools.

“We are providing outreach to educate our youth on what is child abuse, indicators of child abuse and neglect as well as what to do in the event community members suspect that child abuse and neglect has occurred,” she said.

In addition, “mandated reporters” presentations are being offered to various schools and community agencies. Mandated reporters include any health care worker, school teacher or other school official, day care provider, counselor, social worker, peace officer or other law enforcement official who comes into contact with a child who has been abused.

“We believe that prevention is the key and that is to work toward eliminating the risk factors in families. DYS will continue to work on building on protective factors to lessen the risk of child abuse and neglect,” Sablan said.

If you suspect any child abuse and neglect, call 664-2550/2565/2556 or 911 for emergency. To learn more about the DYS programs and services you may also visit the DYS website at www.dys.gov.mp.

The Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month proclamation was signed last March 31.