Home is where the heart is, but for some it's where they face some of the biggest threats to their safety. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and although Guam remains in Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1, the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence continues to operate and provide services to victims. This month they'll be launching a series of webinars.

Executive director Cynthia Cabot told KUAM News, "One is on safety and technology and that focuses on safety and technology issues across virtual spaces and that's in collaboration with the National Network and Domestic Violence."

According to the Guam Police Department, in 2019 alone there were a reported 1,016 family violence related cases ranging from infants to elders. "In light of the pandemic, there are often times we do not see the abuse because now we think that it is safer at home when in more there's the likely event that many of those are probably facing this issue are not able to reach out," said Cabot.

Cabot says a good starting point for victims to seek help is by reaching out to one of their many partners, Victims Advocates Reaching Out.

"VARO's number is 477-5552. So for us, if you are not ready to perhaps call GPD for assistance then reach out to VARO," she encouraged.

Victims seeking legal advocacy can reach out to their partners with the Guam Legal Service Corporation Disability Law Center as well as Guam Public Defender Corporation. Cabot also encourages everyone to join the Virtual Silent Witness Ceremony on Friday at 11:30am, which can be found on Facebook at Silent Witness Guam.

"Father Mike [Crisostomo] is taking the lead with St. Anthony Church and the Archdiocese of Agana as they are the caretakers of the 28 silhouettes representing the victims that we will remember as part of the ceremony," she said.

Also in the ceremony will be the governor's proclamation and senators will presenting a legislative resolution. For more information on the Guam Coalition and the services they offer, you can go to their online community resource directory at pacificregionresources.org.