If so, then you need to see >THISHERE< now.

David Morris
TacticalAndPreparednessSolutions.com

In combating family violence, we must all take ownership of this community problem and collectively work toward this silently growing epidemic. We can no longer afford to deafen our ears and hope that the cries of these victims go away.

By working together and challenging the attitudes and behaviors that allow family violence to occur, we will reduce the frequency of family violence.

I have always believed in everyone’s right to live free from family violence, and the community’s responsibility to hold these perpetrators accountable and encourage behavioral change.

I have supported the introduction and passage of tougher laws and resolutions that increased penalties on those who commit family violence. In the 32nd Guam Legislature, the passage of two critical public laws and a resolution have been considered that serve as a deterrence of family violence:

• Public Law 32-17 (which strengths the penalties for crimes on family violence);

• Public Law 32-49 (the “three-strikes” provision for habitual offenders of serious crimes); and

• Resolution 33-32 (urging Congress to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act).

In 2012 alone, the Guam Police Department reported 424 violent crimes/family-violence-related arrests; the Guam courts reported 388 combined cases of felony and misdemeanor family violence, 100 combined cases of felony and misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct, and 137 protection orders filed. These unbelievable numbers amounted to 625 newly opened and active cases last year.

In the same year, Alee Shelter, the Department of Corrections’ Parole Services Division, Erica’s House, GPD’s Victims Assessment Unit, Public Defender Service Corporation, the Office of the Attorney General’s Victim Witness Ayuda Services, the Judiciary of Guam, and the Victims Advocates Reaching Out provided 1,177 victims with direct services and referrals to other service providers.

Numerous additional service providers continue to support victims of family violence, these include:

• STOP Violence Against Women;

• faith-based organizations;

• Catholic Social Service;

• Andersen Family Support Services;

• Fleet and Family Support Services;

• the AG’s Crime Victim Response Unit;

• the Department of Education;

• Healing Hearts Crisis Center;

• the Department of Youth Affairs; and

• Sanctuary.

The incredible effort, compassion and untiring dedication of these volunteers, professionals and organizations in supporting victims of family violence deserve special recognition and support by our community.

With the staggering numbers presented above, tougher laws may contribute toward reducing family violence, but they have not prevented it altogether. Thus, we, as an island community must reinforce the work and effort that the many volunteers and service providers extend to victims.

We must unite to eliminate family violence, actively educate our community about family violence, report family violence and support victims of family violence.

Let us work together as an island family and move toward zero tolerance on family violence.

Frank B. Aguon, Jr. is a senator in the 32nd Guam Legislature and chairs its Committee on Guam U.S. Military Relocation, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security and Judiciary.

Today we have state lines prohibiting the sale of insurance across state lines, what is up with that. the fed allows securities to be sold across state lines, why not insurance.

Tell your congressional leaders to quit getting in bed with the big insurance companies, and draft a law to sell policies across state lines, wanna see a drop in premiums, they will fall like a rock.