Abuse victims encouraged to speak out

Tenorio

Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence executive director Maise B. Tenorio is encouraging victims to speak out and not be ashamed of their experiences, adding that they are never alone in their fight and journey toward healing.

“Oftentimes, victims are silent. So our job is to get them talking, once they start talking and learning, we hope that they would want to join the movement. Want to be part of the mission to end domestic violation and sexual assault,” said Tenorio.

That’s why she admired those who broke their silence and spoke out and have served as an inspiration for other victims to do the same. She added that victims need courage especially after what they have gone through.

“It takes a lot of courage for someone to speak out about something very traumatic that has happened to them. We thank those who are courageous enough to come out and speak about their experiences. Brave women who are speaking out on what happened to them,” said Tenorio, who along with other advocates joined the Division of Youth Services in a roadside waving activity last Friday held at the San Jose intersection in Beach Road. It was the culmination of the Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month last April.

Tenorio also reminded victims of domestic and sexual abuse that there are people who care and are ready to help. “We just want to say to the victims and the survivors out there, to let them know, that there are people who care.”

“There are people who are doing a good job—they are dedicated advocates, social workers, police officers, fire fighters—the first responders. People who are ready to help and who will listen to them.”

Tenorio said the coalition would be working with other agencies to help the victims get justice. “Justice means a lot for the victims. We are going to work together with other agencies to meet the needs of the victims.”

“Every survivor thinks of justice in a different way. We want to make sure that we are meeting with the survivors wherever they are. Making sure that they choose to report so they can begin their healing. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to,” added Tenorio.

If a victim comes out and talk, the coalition asks them to be part of the movement to end domestic violence and sexual assault. “We need everybody’s help because this is a difficult issue to face,” said Tenorio.

“The coalition’s mission is to end domestic violence and sexual assault. These are the issues that we are passionate about. We want our community to be safe for everyone, that’s the underlining goal, to make sure our community—Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—is safe for everyone.”

“No matter where you go and no matter who you with, you are always safe and you feel protected,” she added.

Tenorio said education is a big part of understanding the victims and at the same time make sure their partners are equipped with the necessary tools they need to serve and help the survivors. She added that sexual assault is different from what is shown in television or movies.

“What they see on television, in reality, it is nothing like that. Sexual assault in real life is totally different. Most of the victims are hurt by people they know and love, and not by strangers. So that is the very hard thing for people to grasp and accept,” said Tenorio.

The coalition, which has been working with different agencies like the Division of Youth Services, has been busy promoting awareness of what’s happening in the CNMI community, informing the people and getting them understand the reality.

“There’s so much sexual assault going on, our children are being victimized everyday, so what are we going to do? Where’s our responsibility as citizens and adults to protect our children? This is part of our organization’s mission to work with different agencies to spread information,” said Tenorio.