Survivors of sexual assault will soon receive improved forensic care at the island’s only rape crisis center thanks to new exam equipment funded through a federal grant secured by the Bureau of Women’s Affairs (BWA). The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, provides advanced tools and training to enhance evidence collection and support the prosecution of sexual assault cases on Guam.
BWA Director Jayne Flores said the grant enabled the purchase of a colposcope, rape exam kits, and laptops for the Healing Hearts Crisis Center, along with training for seven registered nurses and one pediatrician in sexual assault examination procedures. “We are working hard to bring down these numbers,” added Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, noting that 71 percent of Guam’s criminal sexual conduct cases involve minors. “Behind each sexual assault number is a person whose life is forever changed by this crime. There is never any excuse for sexual assault.”
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said the effort reflects her administration’s continued focus on protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. “Securing funding for this type of equipment and training is part of our administration’s effort to help victims and deter perpetrators,” she said. “We are focused on making our streets and homes safer for our people.” Guam has consistently ranked among the top five U.S. jurisdictions per capita for rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, according to FBI data.
The grant, totaling $53,105.65 from a nearly $900,000 federal award, also funded forensic interview recording systems for the Guam Police Department, victim advocate positions, and legal support through the Office of the Attorney General and Public Defender Service Corporation. Healing Hearts Director Carissa Pangelinan said the new equipment ensures “patient-centered care with emphasis on informed consent every step of the way.”