Abuse of children, women growing

At least 15 women and six children are beaten up daily, militant women’s group Gabriela revealed yesterday.

Emmi de Jesus, deputy secretary-general of Gabriela, said that the data were very alarming and should merit the government’s attention.

De Jesus related that this year alone, 105 women sought Gabriela’s assistance, 51 of them victims of domestic violence.

Last year, Gabriela recorded 5,668 cases of wife battering and 2,274 cases of maltreatment of children.

The militant women’s group blamed the feudal and patriarchal character of the Philippine society for associating power with machismo.

"Thus, one who is powerful is macho and can easily flaunt his power by using violence to subjugate and terrorize," De Jesus said.

Last Friday, Gabriela joined other women’s groups in commemorating the first death anniversary of Maria Theresa Carlson.

"Carlson’s case highlighted the plight of battered women in our society. One year after, we have yet to see justice for Maria Theresa," De Jesus lamented. — Sandy Araneta