The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence invites the community to come together this October in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A month-long series of events is planned to raise awareness, support victims and survivors, and spark conversations about domestic violence. This year’s campaign, “Solidarity for Safety,” with the tagline “Join the Movement to End Domestic Violence,” emphasizes the importance of everyone’s shared effort in eliminating domestic violence.

To launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Proclamation Signing Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at 10am in the Royal Taga Ballroom at Saipan World Resort in Susupe.

Those unable to attend in person can still tune in as the event will be live-streamed on Facebook in collaboration with KUAM. During the ceremony, the recipient of the 2024 Bridge of Light Award will be announced, recognizing an individual who has made notable contributions to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the CNMI.

“A Bridge of Light Awardee embodies the movement to end violence in the CNMI and serves as a beacon of hope,” said Kiki I. Benjamin, associate director of NMCADSV.

“Their dedication and impact inspire others to join us in creating a safer environment for all.”

Following this event, a Day of Prayer will take place at St. Jude Parish on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Masses will be held at 6am, 8am, and 10am. All faith-based denominations are invited to address domestic violence within their worship services and offer prayers and support for victims and survivors.

The month continues with one of NMCADSV’s signature events, the Day of Unity, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 11am to 4pm at the CPA Airport Field. This family-friendly gathering will feature a variety of fun children’s activities and games, partner agency booths, and cultural performances. Attendees can also enjoy delicious food and drink vendors, making it an opportunity to connect, raise awareness, and show support for victims and survivors.

Building on this spirit of solidarity, the annual Purple Wave, Walk, & Roll will take place on Purple Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, featuring the Men’s Walk Against Domestic Violence. We encourage everyone to wear purple to show support for victims and survivors and raise awareness. The event will be held at the San Antonio Basketball Court, starting with registration at 4:30pm, followed by a roadside waving at 5pm, and a walk through the village at 5:30pm. Participants are welcome to enjoy free poster-making, face painting, food and drink vendors, and free 2024 DVAM T-shirts, available while supplies last.

In addition to these meaningful events, NMCADSV will host a radio show throughout October in partnership with KKMP, airing every Wednesday morning at 8am on 92.1 FM. Each show will feature guest panelists who will engage in important discussions on topics related to domestic violence in our community.

For more details about the events and updates, please visit NMCADSV’s social media platforms @EndViolenceNMI on Instagram and Facebook, or reach out directly at (670) 234-3878 or via email at info@endviolencenmi.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of violence, assistance is available. Please call 911 for immediate emergency support or contact the 24/7 Karidat Victim Hotline at (670) 234-5100. (PR)

NMCADSV

Hundreds of people joined the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at the Saipan World Resort in Susupe last Friday for a proclamation and commemoration ceremony to once again recognize the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Lt Gov. David M. Apatang, in his capacity as acting governor, designated the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in a signing ceremony that was attended by an estimated 300-plus dignitaries and community members packing the building, not to mention the dozens more watching virtually via livestream.

NMCADSV executive director Maisie Tenorio said the annual ceremony always makes her emotional, not only because of the inspiring stories told at each event, but also because of the community’s unwavering support displayed at each one.

“…Every year that we do this, it feels so good to know that our community is coming together for such an important cause. …Domestic violence is a silent crime. We hear from survivors all the time who are isolated; they’re living in darkness so Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to bring light to the darkness, to give a voice to the survivors, to encourage our community to be a part of the movement. …We do this work all throughout the year but DVAM really gives us a chance to harness all of that energy and all that support to amplify the voices of survivors, so that we can inspire our community, and empower survivors… and just kind of do what we do best here in the CNMI… support each other, we care for each other, and we unify around issues that are impacting our community.”

She added “… you never know who’s a survivor or who’s a victim or who has experienced it, so more safe spaces we can create where survivors feel empowered and supported, the more they will come forward and report, the more opportunities we have to hold offenders accountable. …Those little acts of awareness of outreach really have a big impact. We truly believe that we can end domestic violence and it takes every single person in our community working together to make that happen.”

As per tradition, the 2023 Bridge of Light Award was presented at the ceremony to an exceptional individual who has made notable contributions to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the CNMI. The recipient of this year’s award is police detective Shannon Dela Cruz of the Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division for going above and beyond the line of duty as an advocate of victims of domestic and sexual violence. Dela Cruz was off island at the time and not able to physically attend the ceremony, but she was present via livestream and had her prerecorded video message shown at the event. Dela Cruz not only thanked her nominators, but encouraged the community to continue to advocate and fight domestic and sexual abuse. DPS Commissioner Clement Bermudes and Dela Cruz’s comrades in blue received the award for her.