‘CNMI will not tolerate abusers’

The CNMI will not tolerate abusers and domestic violence must be stopped according to acting governor Diego T. Benavente during his congratulatory speech during the opening of the renovated center for domestic violence victims.

Now called “Family Violence Task Force—Place of Peace,” the center was formally opened to the public last Friday morning. The center is located at Building 1233, Capitol Hill Government Quarters.

Benavente said the agencies brought together under this new roof are working together to reduce the pain and suffering of families and reduce the patterns of behavior that lead to domestic violence.

He said domestic violence is often witnessed by children, who become innocent victims of this crime that is widespread, though many are not aware of the magnitude of the problem.

Benavente, assistant attorney general Clyde Lemons, and detective Andrea Ozawa led the unveiling of the signage of the new domestic violence center.

Lemons said the center is going to be a one-stop-center for the public especially for the victims who seek guidance and assistance.

He said he is glad that the place is now finished. He recalled that what prompted his group to renovate the place was when he saw some rats frolicking inside the old building. This time, he said, help will be more convenient and more comfortable for the victims. The center aims to continually promote domestic violence awareness to the entire Commonwealth.

He said the funding for the renovation came from Ayuda Network Inc., one of the member groups including Office of the Attorney General, Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Health, Karidat, Inc., CNMI Superior Court, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Women’s Affairs Office, and Criminal Justice Planning Agency.

Reverend Rey Rosal led the invocation and blessing of the new office. Lemons also presented plaque of appreciation to Sgt. James C. Deleon Guerrero, detectives James R. Rabauliman and Ozawa for their contribution to the center and its renovation.

Office of the Attorney General officials led by attorney general Pam Brown, DPH secretary James U. Hofschneider, Workforce Investment Agency director Jesse Stein and other government officials and members of the Family Violence Task Force also attended the opening.