495 VAWC cases recorded in Cordillera
SOME 495 cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) were recorded from January to October this year forwarded to Department of Social Welfare Development Cordillera.
DSWD-CAR regional committee against trafficking, child pornography and violence against women and children secretariat Bernard Cadaon said other local government units have not yet forwarded their reports but believes VAWC cases are still increasing.
Physical abuse remains on top of the list followed by emotional, economic and sexual abuse.
Cadaon said physical abuse can be easily incurred by the perpetrators who can easily express their anger.
“They cannot manage their personal anger, they are also encountering family problems are likely into the use of illegal drugs,” added Cadaon. “On the positive aspect, victims are empowered today, they know what to do and where to report."
Cadaon mentioned victims can approach their barangay violence against women and children desk or the women and children protection desk in every police stations.
In the recent National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted every five years by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), one out of five equivalent to 20 percent of women aged 15-49 years old has experienced physical violence.
Four percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy and six in 10 women reported having experienced sexual violence.
A total of 31, 580 cases of violations against women and children were filed before the Philippine National Police last year.
As of June 2017, 88.44 percent or 37,178 out of 42,036 Barangays in the Philippines have established Barangay VAW desk.
In Benguet alone, an alarming 41 rape cases and one incest cases were recorded from January to August this year. Most perpetrators turn out to be fathers of the victim which include six cases, grandfathers with four cases and uncles with three cases reported by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Cordillera region earlier joined the 18-day observance of the Campaign to end VAW from November 25 to December 12 with the aim to protect human rights of women and commitment to address all forms of VAW raising awareness among all stakeholders.