Story by: Jasmine Stole Weiss
The Guam Family Justice Center Alliance is calling on residents to stand with them and protest the lack of action taken in light of recent child sex abuse cases.
The nonprofit organization is coordinating an islandwide demonstration for 5:05 p.m. April 24.
Carina Fejerang and Monique Baza, president and vice president of the Guam Family Justice Center Alliance, respectively, said in a statement that life can change in a matter of minutes.
“We are encouraging everyone to walk out, no matter where you are, and stand alongside us in solidarity to show our leaders just how serious we are about the safety of our community and our families,” according to a statement from the organization.
The group also is encouraging people to write the word “Enough” on their palm as part of the demonstration. Demonstrators will raise their hands at exactly 5:05 p.m. for five minutes.
“Let’s stand for all victims of sexual assault and that these deficiencies in the government need to stop. This is a community effort. Let’s be heard,” the organization said. “Please encourage all your friends and family to get involved! Everyone has five minutes in their day to spare.”
Last week, police arrested a convicted sex offender who served 18 years in prison on accusations of abducting and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
That same week, another man was charged and accused of sexually abusing a minor repeatedly. And a man and woman were charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.
According to the Bureau of Social Services Administration, in fiscal 2017, Child Protective Services fielded 371 referrals of child sexual abuse.
For more information about Wednesday’s demonstration, email the Guam Family Justice Center at guamfamilyjusticecenter@gmail.com or contact them on Facebook at facebook.com/gfjca.
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