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There is a victim everyday, says Teno
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Posted on Apr 26 1999
In proclaiming April 25 to May 1 as National Crime Victims’ RightsWeek in the CNMI, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio acknowledged that a victim suffers each day and will need the help of the community.
“Victims are now coming out which only signify that the we are taking care of those who needed help,” he said.
From the audience, Rosa Penos narrated her ordeal growing up with an alcoholic father who physically abused his children. Although, she was spared from this domestic spar, she suffered emotionally. A semblance of her past came alive after she got married, this time with her husband.
“I remained silent because it’s embarrassing,” she said, it continued for over a decade.
Last year, she asked for help, joining the rest of those who broke their silence.
The joining forces of the Division of Youth Services, Governor’s Family Violence Task Force, Commonwealth Health Center, Karidat and aligned agencies testify that the CNMI is looking after the welfare of the victims and aggressor, Tenorio said.
Based on government statistics, close to 2000 victims sought services from various agencies in 1997. From this number, over 50 percent involved victims of domestic violence including children. The young victims suffered from sexual and physical abuses, and neglect.
The CNMI Constitution also recognized the rights of victims. Hitting your wife is considered a crime and victims can ask from the court temporary restraining order. The court likewise requires perpetrators to undergo counseling.
The observance of “Victims’ voices: silent no more” presents a community coming to age on domestic affairs.
For years, Penos didn’t know where to go when the abuses occurred. Today, she knows that emotional abuse is a crime and openly shared her testimony to the rest of the community.
