The case of “Mary” was among those featured during a meeting of the STOP program administrators and coalition directors in San Francisco, California early this year.
STOP stands for Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors Violence Against Woman.
Mary’s case was among the “success stories” in a region that included Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Wisconsin and the CNMI.
After five long years of court appearances and stays in the shelter, Mary’s tormentor has been deported after being successfully prosecuted for the crime of stalking.
The defendant, Roger Castillo, was also convicted of three counts of violating an order of protection and two counts of disturbing the peace.
According to CNMI Family Court Judge Kenneth L. Govendo: “We were extremely pleased that the federal grantor agencies enjoyed our presentation and liked the way we handle federal grant funds. I would like to thank [the Criminal Justice Planning Agency] for its hand-on help for our projects and Presiding Judge [Robert] Naraja for his unfailing and continuous support of our Family Court. I hope this national honor will get Family Court mentioned for the first time in the next State of the Judiciary Address.
In 2008, “Mary” was referred by Guma’ Esperansa to the Micronesian Legal Services Corp. for assistant with filing for a “U” visa.
In Aug. 2009, Mary received her U.S. employment authorization document.
Presently, “Mary” is very close to receiving her U visa which will allow her to remain in the U.S., according to the CNMI Family Court.
The U visa offers protection to victims of crimes who step forward to assist law enforcement investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and other crimes, according to the United States Custom and Immigration Services.
