IN a presentation for the Rotary Club of Saipan on Tuesday, Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan shared data showing a rise in child abuse victims from fiscal years 2020 to 2022.
According to Sablan, the total number of child abuse victims in FY 2020 was 743. That number rose to 863 in FY 2021, and then to 956 in FY 2022.
Emotional abuse and negligence of children comprised the highest number of cases forwarded to Child Protective Services, according to Sablan’s data.
In FY 2022, there were 171 cases of emotional abuse reported, and 173 cases of neglect reported.
Those numbers are higher than the figures reported in FY 2020, which saw 129 cases of emotional abuse and 89 cases of neglect.
Sablan said the Public School System works closely with her office to advocate for students who are victims of abuse.
Data for FY 2023 is still being compiled, but to date, there are 197 active cases of child abuse before DYS, Sablan said.
From left, Rotary Club of Saipan Treasurer Charles Cepeda, President-elect Irene Holl, Club Service Director Mary Grace Bautista, Sgt.-at-Arms Mario Valentino, Vice President Jessy Loomis, Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan, Family and Youth Enhancement Program Supervisor Jennifer Tanaka, and Rotary Club of Saipan Secretary Joann Aquino.
