Kiki Igitol of the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence told the Saipan Rotary Club yesterday that two of three sexual violence and completed rape cases were committed by someone known to the victims.
Igitol said victims are often afraid to speak out and talk about their trauma for fear of repercussions from friends and family.
“Some victims may come from a culture that taboos the reporting of the crime, and the victim may be blamed instead for their predicament,” Igitol said.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and his year’s theme is “It’s time…to get involved.”
“We encourage everyone to get involved, to make the victims feel that they are not alone,” Igitol said.
Sexual violence is a violent crime that is under-reported to law enforcement, and Asian/Pacific Islanders top the list of those who are the least likely to report, she added.
“Sexual violence is a serious crime, and a serious health problem that profoundly affects the physical, emotional, mental and social well-being of victims,” Igitol said.
With leadership and commitment, a short and long term solution can be created to address the problems of sexual violence and promote healthy relationships in the CNMI, she added.
“As individuals in our community, we all have a personal responsibility to end sexual violence and we urge community members to join the movement in creating a CNMI-free from sexual violence and all other forms of violence in general,” Igitol said.
She said the community can help victims by listening to them, giving support and believing them.
“Allow the victims to tell what happened in a way that is comfortable for them. Do not force the story out of them, then refer them to the coalition, Karidat and other organizations,” Igitol said.
The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, in partnership with the Family Violence Task Force, has organized a series of activities this month to encourage everyone in the CNMI to learn about sexual violence, how to prevent it and how to help survivors of sexual violence.
April is also a “time to mourn the women, men and children who suffered or died from sexual violence, and recognize programs and individuals who help sexual violence victims.”
