Lawmakers push to expand scope of sexual assault prosecution

A new bill could mark a turning point in how Guam holds sexual predators accountable.

Lawmakers are considering Bill 33, a measure that would close long-standing gaps in the law to better protect teens from sexual abuse.

Per 100,000 people in Guam, there are 64.2 reported rapes.

That's nearly 2.5 times the national rate, according to statistics from the University Of Guam's Violence Against Women Prevention Program.

For Bill author Vice Speaker Tony Ada, it's the driving force behind Bill 33.

The measure expands the scope of Guam's first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct laws, which currently offer stronger protections only to children age 13 and under.

“Guam’s children need the protection of our laws to ensure that their homes are safe, and that would be sex offenders do not abuse their position of authority to victimize their children,” said Ada. 

Perpetrators who target 14- and 15-year-olds and who are in positions of trust, power, or access could now face the most serious charges. 

This includes teachers, foster care providers, government employees, family members, or even those dating someone in the child’s household.

The Attorney General’s Office voiced their support.

“The AG’s office supports this legislation to strengthen our Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) laws, and to better protect our client, our people of Guam,” said Attorney General Doug Moylan. 

But it’s not just about updating the law.  

Supporters say the bill also sends a message that Guam is ready to confront the growing role of substance abuse in these cases.

“Meth is destroying families,” said Moylan. “The next generation is being destroyed...”

Jayne Flores, Director of the Bureau Of Women’s Affairs, told lawmakers that prevention efforts, including education and awareness, must be part of the solution.

“Awareness efforts do work in that they help to empower potential victims because the more we empower a person, the more opportunity they have to protect themselves against sexual assault,” said Flores. 

Assistant Attorney General Christine Tenorio also backed the bill, saying clearer definitions of relationships between abusers and victims will prevent future cases from slipping through the cracks in court.

“I’m also the appellate attorney for criminal sexual conduct so, I have to go before the Supreme Court and argue definitions all the time, argue what the legislature intended. And so by more clearly delineating these relationships under this bill, it would enable me to prosecute more easily,” said Tenorio. 

With 11 co-sponsors signed on in support of this legislation, there is hope for Bill 33's passing.