Reported cases of domestic violence rise since last year

CEBU, Philippines – Cases of domestic violence reportedly went up last year compared to the previous years, however it was also noted that women had already reported the incidents to the police which means that a growing number of women are already aware of their rights and on what to do when abused.

This was according to Cebu City Police Office women’s desk chief Insp. Lourdes Ingente.

Ingente said in an interview yesterday during the celebration of the International Women’s Day, that the rise in the number of reports may be attributed to the fact that women already know who to call or to go to for their protection.

“Before, mahadlok man sila and dili sila kahibawo kinsa ilang daganan, so karon na-aware na sila nidaghan na ang nireklamo,” Ingente added.

According to Ingente, husbands under the influence of liquor are mostly the ones who abuse their wives. After which, other problems arise like financial needs and jealousy.

She said that women’s desks in police stations are always available until 5 p.m. and reports that would be filed after the said time could be referred to the CCPO women’s desk.

Emily Cerna, a social worker of Lihok Pilipina which is an outstanding organization that focuses on intervention for victims of domestic violence, said that the awareness programs given to women have helped so much.

One of the organizations’ programs is the Women’s Integrated Support and Crisis Center that has helped 2,223 victims of abuse from 1991 to 2004 alone. WISCC was changed to the Bantay Banay program.

In 2008, it was seen that six out of 10 women were battered by their partners. Cerna said that now they have a minimum of five complaints per day. 

Meanwhile, during the program yesterday headed by the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission, barangays and other organizations supporting the welfare of women were present for the celebration of the Women’s Day.

Councilor Lea Ouano Japson, chairperson of the CCWFAC, said that the celebration is important to recognize women and their vital role in society.

With this year’s theme, “Babae, Yaman ka ng Bayan”, the joys and challenges of mothering were discussed and other presentations were made in honor of women.

Groups like Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina, Zonta Club, and the women members of the Philippine National Police showed their support during the celebration. — AJ de la Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)