SAIPAN — Micronesian Legal Services Corp. is reminding domestic violence survivors that legal help and support remain available in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, and is warning that disaster recovery can heighten risks for those already in abusive situations.
In a public advisory, the legal services nonprofit said survivors may be struggling more after the storm because their support systems are also dealing with their own recovery, leaving family and friends less available than usual. Greater isolation from gas lines, loss of phone connectivity, no internet and no power can compound the difficulty of seeking help.
Other emergency pressures including shelter, water, food, child care and hygiene needs add to the strain, MLSC said, along with financial pressures from reduced work hours, job loss, interrupted support payments and increased post-storm costs.
The advisory cautioned that abusers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities. An abusive partner may show up presenting as concerned, caring or helpful at a moment when a survivor needs help, the agency said.
MLSC advised survivors against making permanent decisions while in trauma. Any survivor seeking to change a current arrangement or order of protection should obtain legal advice first and get changes in writing with start and end dates, the advisory said.
MLSC’s Chalan Piao office remains open to walk-ins, and the agency can be reached at 670-234-7729 or 670-234-6243. Email inquiries can be sent to marianas@mlscnet.org.
The advisory was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.