WHEREAS, Sexual violence or sexual assault, commonly defined as any sexual act without consent, is a global problem that exists in all communities, even ones as small as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

WHEREAS, Child Abuse and Neglect is a complex problem in our diverse society, affecting innocent children and families in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and

The Hinemlo O’hala Para Enteramenti, HOPE Recovery Center under the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation (SAAR) program, under the Office of the Governor, continues to take steps to initiate their services on problem gambling, which they have been working on since 2018. Two of its clinical staff have completed their problem gambling certification studies and are ready to start their clinical hours toward their certification.