Women play a vital role in human progress and have a significant place in society. They are not inferior to men and are capable of sharing all the responsibilities in life.
With all their responsibilities some endure untold suffering due to violence that leave a scar for the rest of their lives. Violence Against Women (VAW) is a case that needs to be prioritized. A lot of stories are coming out. Victims are not that strong to fight alone for their rights.
“Mahal, nasasaktan na ako.”
This is just a part of her plea every time her partner would physically hurt her.
Lani (not her real name) is one of those thousands of women who are abused. For years, she had endured her relationship with John (not his real name), her live-in partner, hoping that he would later change. But this never happened.
Lani met John four years after she was left by her ex-husband. At first, John was so kind and loving to her and her children. As time passed, John’s attitude changed. He became sensitive and possessive. Most of the time his possessiveness led him to abuse Lani. She is just one of thousands similarly situated in this country.
Violence against women is an act that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, pressure or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. It encompasses all forms of violation of women’s rights, including threats and punishments, mistreatment, harassment, and other forms of control.
Severity of VAWC in the locality
In the last four years, VAWC cases in the Cordillera had been decreasing. In 2016, there were 1,065 cases recorded, 495 in 2017, 712 in 2018 and at least 76 cases in the first two months of 2019.
In the first eight months of 2018, The regional committee against trafficking, child pornography and violence against women and children in the Cordillera, recorded 712 cases of VAWC. Among the recorded cases, 424 were violence against women while 298 were violence against children.
Moreover, data shows that Baguio city topped the list with 210 cases; Benguet, 96; Ifugao, 37; Abra, 33; Kalinga, 20; Apayao, 16; and12 cases in Mountain Province.
On the other hand, the most reported abuse experienced by the victims in Mountain Province are physical, sexual, and economic violence.
Types of violence
According to Fe Toyokan, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Bontoc, Mtn. Prov.,, physical violence is the intentional use of physical force. Often, reported cases include, scratching, pushing, throwing, grabbing, biting, shaking, hair-pulling, slapping, punching, hitting, etc.
Further, sexual violence is a sexual act that is committed by another person without the freely given consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to refuse. The most common case is the act of lasciviousness. It is an act of making a physical contact with the body of another person for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification without intention of sexual intercourse.
Lastly, economic violence takes place when the abuser takes control and limits the access of one to individual assets or limits the current or future earning potential of the victim as a strategy of power and control.
LGU interventions
Toyokan added that the reported VAW cases are decreasing yet there is a need for further advocacies to achieve a VAW free community. In response, the municipality has implemented various interventions. This is to provide immediate, comprehensive support to survivors of violence that shall consist of free or low cost services such as legal, medical, psychological, and shelter; and to coordinate other forms of support services provided by non- government organizations (NGOs).
In addition, Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office is providing the victims assistance such as counselling. This is to divert the mindsets of the victims and be able to cope with the trauma. Aside from counselling, victims are referred to the Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for their safety. Victims are also given medical assistance.
Despite the interventions and assistance given by the authorities, some of the abused women are scared to voice out their violent experiences. This is due to threats from their partners.
“Yes, I am being abused, but despite my experiences I was not confident enough to voice out the abuses committed against me. This is because my partner has been threatening me and my children. After some encouragements, I am now voicing out what has been happening to me.”, said Lani.
The MSWD office is encouraging victims of VAWC to seek help from their office and or the authorities. This is not just to record such cases but also for the matter to be acted on.
“And now, Im FREE—Malaya na ako”, Lani stressed.** Esjay Zausa, BSU-DevCom Intern
