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Of 59 domestic violence cases, 14 involve children
Based on national statistics, one in four women and one out of seven men experience domestic violence. But one wonders how many children are actually involved in these cases?
Here in the CNMI, about 59 domestic violence cases were reported from January to October this year, according to the Office of the Attorney General, and of that number, 14 involve children.
Back in 2012, the OAG reported about 74 domestic violence cases with eight children involved. Last year, the OAG reported a whopping 134 domestic violence cases with 19 children involved.
According to Superior Associate Judge Kenneth Govendo, the Family Court, which he handles, had 250 cases involving domestic violence.
“I would like to report that in 2014 domestic violence has stopped but it hasn’t…I know in the U.S. there are over 50 percent of children who don’t have their natural mothers or fathers. Here in the CNMI, we don’t see a lot of this. This year’s slogan for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is ‘Rise for Peace, Be That Change.’ People here are the change and I believe it’s because there are many resources here that victims can reach out to and be helped with,” Govendo told Saipan Tribune during the “Day of Unity” event on Saturday.
Bridge of Light awardee Lauri Ogumoro announced during the DVAM proclamation signing earlier this month that Guma Esparanza receives a lot of women at the shelter and some of them have children.
Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence executive director Maisie Tenorio said it’s not that domestic violence occurs, it’s why the person causes domestic violence and what tempts them.
“We may feel that it is not our ‘business’ or that violence or abuse is a ‘family matter’ but victims can come to us and we may not know how to offer assistance on what they go through but we can help,” Tenorio said.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
