HAGÅTÑA, Guam — The Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the Guam Police Department have introduced an unmarked passenger van intended to help move victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related crimes to safe locations without placing them in a marked police squad car.
The Kia Carnival eight-passenger van was purchased through a 2024 U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women Rural grant awarded to the Bureau of Women’s Affairs. Bureau Director Jayne Flores said the purchase also included infant and child car seats, allowing advocates to transport victims and their children using what she described as a more trauma-informed approach.
A presentation for the van was held Monday, January 26, behind the Governor’s Office at Adelup, with remarks from Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, and Guam Police Department Chief Stephen Ignacio. Leon Guerrero said the effort is part of the administration’s commitment to supporting victims through “respectful and dignified” care during traumatic moments, while Tenorio pointed to the Bureau’s revival as a way to help vulnerable residents rebuild after violence. Ignacio called the vehicle the first of its kind for Guam Police Department and highlighted the partnership with the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the grant funding it secures.
Flores also said the Bureau’s $700,000, three-year Rural grant supports more than the van purchase. Funding also covers a Guam Police Department advocate, part of an advocate salary for Victim Advocates Reaching Out (VARO), and emergency housing for victims and survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and related crimes. The van purchase was listed at $42,424.
