October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the nation. In Guam, the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence’s (GCASAFV) Executive Director said it also signifies the observance of Family Violence Awareness Month.
The nonprofit has teamed up with local organizations to host outreach events to raise awareness about domestic and family violence.
According to the Guam Police Department, there were over 1,500 reported cases of family violence in 2023 which, according to the Coalition, is a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
“We want people to know that if you’re experiencing domestic or family violence, you don’t have to feel alone,” said GCASAFV Executive Director, Cynthia Cabot. She emphasized that this month’s events are also designed to provide critical information about available services through GCASAFV.
Key events this October include a Family Violence Awareness Walk, organized by the Coalition in partnership with the Guam Legal Services Disability Law Center, taking place on October 18 and 25 at Ace Hardware and Chamorro Village. Additionally, a Domestic/Family Violence Awareness Month Wave will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on October 25, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
For more information about these events and other resources, visit GCASAFV’s website.