Economic woes compound domestic stress

As the CNMI wages a campaign against violence, its populace are coping to lead a harmonious life amid threats of lay-off and shorter working hours.

Both are contributing to the daily issues one has to deal with and some people are seeking momentary refuge in drinking.

According to Bob McGinnas of the victim hotline, although the number of calls his office has been getting does not record a dramatic change but drinking often ends up in a fight.

“People are drinking more because they have problems and they get into a fight,” he said.

The victim hotline is particularly concerned not only on domestic fights between adults but those that affect the children.

As defined, domestic violence refers to one family member who is causing bodily injury to another member, young or old.

Based on the annual count of victims of crimes, good or bad times, the number has increased through the years.

However, last year’s record is quite a leap, particularly for children.

From 79 cases of child physical abuse in 1996, it more than doubled during 1997 with a total of 216. A similar increase was observed for child sexual abuse, from 58 cases in 1996, it jumped to 116 last year.

For domestic violence, the reported cases rose to 1156 compared to 1062 in 1996.

Since the CNMI started advocating the position against domestic violence some years back, the number hasn’t really decreased. But the continued increase would also testify that victims are coming out and are reporting incidents of violence at home.

McGinnas said when programs against violence started in the CNMI, the community did not welcome them with open arms.

“It was considered like an outsider defining the meaning of domestic violence,” he said.

Today, the community knows that hitting your wife is a crime.

And again, this blanket of concern also covers children and male victims.

“I think this is a social problem that hits everybody. This is not related to social status or income,” he said.

From the victim hotline, callers are referred to various services available on island.

The call for 911 is often made when callers are facing danger and the police should be involved.

But McGinnas emphasized the need to ask from the victim what she or he needs. The victim may request for a temporary restraining order or a legal separation from a violent partner. A shelter is also available for female victims.

From his end, around 10 callers with valid complaints give them a ring daily. Majority involve verbal and emotional abuses.

Since adults are speaking out, he encourages young victims to call in. He said young victims are being threatened by an uncle, father, brother or an adult culprit.

As its tagline says “do not stay a victime for life.”