GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Thursday declared April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month.
This year’s theme is “It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child.”
In the presence of Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan, Department of Cultural and Community Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, lawmakers, and community members, Torres signed a proclamation to kick off the month-long effort to preventing and raising awareness of child abuse and neglect.
“Child abuse and neglect is a complex problem in our diverse society, affecting innocent children and families in the [CNMI],” the proclamation reads.
It added that every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, secured, and protected from all types of abuse and neglect, and that it is the responsibility of the CNMI community to protect and promote every child’s rights.
Providing care, support and interventions vital to the health and well-being of children and families is crucial to helping prevent child abuse and neglect, the proclamation adds.
It states that child abuse and neglect can be prevented by making every family safe, and ensuring that families are given the support needed to raise their children in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment free of domestic violence, abuse and neglect.
Child abuse and neglect, the proclamation adds, is a community responsibility affecting both current and future quality of life.
“Our community and our children are the most valuable asset and are vital to the future success and prosperity… Everyone in the community should become more aware of child abuse prevention and consider helping parents raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment…. Our communities in the CNMI should work together in resounding this year’s theme.”
Furthermore, it states that effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of strong partnerships among parent leaders, agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement, and the business community in the Commonwealth.
DYS said it will continue to provide prevention programs and intervention services to highlight and build on family protective factors while also working towards reducing risk factors in its continued efforts to ultimately strengthen families in the CNMI.
Governor Torres expressed his appreciation to DYS for its continued advocacy for youth safety as they continue to provide prevention programs and intervention services to families in the CNMI.
He called upon all citizens in the Commonwealth to promote and protect the rights of children, and to prevent child abuse and neglect.
“I call on all citizens in our community to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families through speaking out against child abuse and neglect. Let us work together to prevent child abuse and neglect and strengthen the communities in which we live,” he said.
In fiscal year 2021, a total 333 child abuse and neglect cases were reported, of which 278 were reported on Saipan, 50 on Tinian and five on Rota.
These involved 577 multiple allegations to include 54 physical abuse cases, 80 sexual abuse cases, 181 emotional abuse cases, 182 neglect cases, and 80 other cases such as suicide, teen pregnancy, support services, domestic violence, or drug use.
Drug use cases include newborn babies that have tested positive for methamphetamine.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month proclamation while Department of Cultural and Community Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero looks on.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres joins Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian Sablan, Department of Cultural and Community Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, Rep. Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero, Rep. Roy A. Ada, and other members of the community in proclaiming April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention & Awareness Month.
