The Judiciary of Guam partnered with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) to host a weeklong, in-person training aimed at strengthening how the justice system responds to domestic abuse cases involving children.
The training, held the week of Jan. 12 at the Judicial Education Center, focused on improving judicial decision-making in child custody and family court matters where domestic abuse is present. Judiciary leaders said decisions in such cases can have lasting impacts on a child’s safety and stability.
Under the leadership of Judge Elyze M. Iriarte, the Judiciary collaborated with the NCJFCJ’s Judicial Education Development Initiative on Domestic Violence. The sessions were led by NCJFCJ faculty members Judge Nora Polk, Judge Michael Long, Maureen Reid, MSW, RSW, and Jennifer Arsenian, JD, all nationally recognized for their work in domestic violence and child welfare.
The training brought together judges, court staff, social workers, behavioral health providers and community partners serving youth. Topics included recognizing coercive control, assessing risk in custody matters and improving coordination across agencies.
“The sessions — from recognizing coercive control, to assessing risk in custody matters, to improving system coordination — are designed to help align our responses and improve how families experience the system,” Chief Justice Robert J. Torres said.
Judiciary officials said issues identified during the training will guide future technical assistance to ensure long-term improvements that reduce harm, prevent re-traumatization and promote safer outcomes for Guam’s children and families.
