April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and the Division of Youth Services are inviting the public to take part in the proclamation signing ceremony for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month on Monday, April 3, 2017, at 10am at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

The proclamation signing ceremony will have April 2017 recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month in the CNMI.

The aim of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to bring much needed attention to the issue of sexual assault through education and awareness. Also, raising awareness helps give hope and support to victims, survivors and the community by working to remove the stigma and fear around speaking out against sexual violence.

This year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme for the CNMI is “Engaging All Voices.”

Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month is about bringing community awareness on the devastating impact of child abuse and neglect, as well as to promote ways in which communities can address these issues and foster the emotional and social wellbeing of families and children.

Events and activities throughout April 2017 for SAAM include Walks Against Sexual Violence on Wednesday, April 5, in Kagman II and on Wednesday, April 19, in Chalan Kanoa, with both events starting around 5pm.

Also, the highly anticipated S.A.F.E. Jamboree will be on Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 11am to 5pm at the Ada Gymnasium in Susupe. The community is invited to take part in an afternoon of fun activities and amazing performances. Details on events and activities for Tinian and Rota will be shared and announced shortly.

In addition, tune in every Tuesday morning in April to KKMP on 92.1 FM and on Saturday, April 8, 2017, for the Marianas Agupa radio show on 100.3 FM to hear professionals and community members discuss various topics related to SAAM.

For more information related to SAAM, contact NMCADSV at (670) 234-3878 or email info@endviolencenmi.org. For more updates and news, follow NMCADSV on Facebook, Twitter (@EndViolenceNMI) and Instagram (@nmcadsv).

For more information related to Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month, contact the Division of Youth Services at (670) 664-2550 or 664-2565. (PR)