by Krystal Paco

Guam - It's an epidemic we can't ignore. As of June this year, Guam's only rape crisis center has received 81 clients. According to Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Healing Hearts Crisis Center program manager Maresa Aguon, there's been a rise in sexual abuse cases: 75 in 2009, 116 in 2010, and 124 in 2011. Aguon says majority of victims are female, 17 years of age or younger, and knew the person who assaulted them.

Aguon presented the shocking stats to island Rotarians Tuesday afternoon. "The bottom line is that as vigilant as we are in protecting children from strangers, we have to be as vigilant in protecting them non-strangers," she explained.

Aguon says victims of sexual assault are likely to suffer from depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and abuse alcohol and drugs. She adds it's important for parents to openly communicate to their children the difference between a bad touch and a good touch.

For more information, call 647-5351.