Previous Story
Close to 200 men walk against domestic violence
About 191 men wearing skirts marched alongside their wives and children in Garapan on Saturday to raise awareness against domestic violence in the Commonwealth.
Dignitaries such as Superior Court Associate Judge Ken Govendo, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP), Rep. George N. Camacho (R-Saipan), and Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Cov-Saipan) joined the walk with other members of the public.
The walk started from Garapan Fishing Base to the Wild Bill’s road, then toward Garapan Middle Road up to the CNMI Museum road, and then back to Garapan Fishing Base.
Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence chair Angel Nimwes said the walk was part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month’s “Day of Unity” where men show support for the fight against domestic violence.
“The skirts showed solidarity and they are making a statement that they don’t support domestic violence,” Nimwes said.
NMCADSV board chair Eulalia Villagomez said they chose skirts this year because they wanted to keep it to a more island theme.
Govendo, who handles the Family Court, said he was happy with the great turnout and the walk.
“It shows the community uniting against domestic violence, which is exactly what we need because we always have to be vigilant against domestic violence. It is a never ending battle,” Govendo said.
Sablan said the walk brought awareness to the community about those who suffer in silence.
“The NMCADSV has been bringing awareness and showing victims that there are resources that they could turn to for help. Men walking against domestic violence shows that there are men in the community that don’t condone this,” Sablan said.
It was the 20th Day of Unity that was hosted by NMCADSV and the Family Violence Task Force and supporters.
A candlelight vigil was also held after the men’s walk, to mourn and honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
“It is also in support for those that are victims and survivors by saluting their strength and courage and that there are those that want to help them. This helps connect everyone in the community to come together,” Nimwes said.
