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Honoring two decades of rising for peace
On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, the Family Violence Task Force and the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence will convene the 20th annual proclamation signing ceremony in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, or DVAM.
The entire community is invited to attend the ceremony that will take place at 9am at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe and will feature the Bridge of Light Award, which honors one advocate for his/her work to end domestic violence in the CNMI.
For the past 20 years, the DVAM Committee, made up of service providers, first responders, and community volunteers, have created opportunities for the community to mourn those we have lost to domestic violence, celebrate the significant progress made by advocates over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
“This year’s DVAM theme is ‘Rise for Peace. Be that Change!’ The DVAM Committee chose this theme to highlight the hope that exists in our community,” said DVAM Committee co-chair Angelyn Nimwes. “Together, we can create a CNMI where safety and love is the norm for all of us.”
“We are inviting the community to join us—to stand up and speak out against domestic violence this October,” said DVAM Committee co-chair John L. Aguon.
Chris Concepcion of Delta Air Lines, left, handing over their donation for the Bridge of Light Award, which will be given out this Thursday at the proclamation signing ceremony for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the photo are, from left, Chris Concepcion, Delta; Eulalia S. Villagomez, Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence board chair; Maisie B. Tenorio, coalition executive director; and Mernie Geisinger, Delta. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
“We would also like to encourage the community to show their support for survivors and victims of domestic violence by wearing purple every Friday during October,” said Nimwes.
DVAM Committees on Tinian and Rota will also be hosting events. For more information on DVAM events or activities, email the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence at info@endviolencenmi.org.
“Every year we are touched by the support from our community,” said coalition board chair Eulalia S. Villagomez. “We are particularly grateful for the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and Delta Air Lines, who have sponsored the Bridge of Light Award this year.”
Villagomez added “It means so much to our providers, responders, and advocates when we take a moment to show our gratitude for all the sacrifices they make to keep us safe and protected.”
The DVAM Committee is encouraging the entire community to rise for peace and be catalysts for change. Community members throughout the CNMI can help to end domestic violence by creating spaces for victims and survivors to reach out and share their stories without fear of judgment. You can share your DVAM thoughts and stories with us by adding #dvam2014 to Twitter posts, or posting on the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence’s Facebook page. (NMCADSV)
