CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Despite economic difficulties faced by families especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 contagion, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 and Philippine National Police (PNP)-10 strongly condemn any form of abuse to women and their children.
Recording 105 violence against women and their children (VAWC) cases from March to May 2020, PLtCol Mardy Hortillosa said during the Talakayan sa PIA, June 11, physical abuse tallied first on the cases filed in their office. Moreover, 73 cases were recorded for child abuse.
On the same period, DSWD-10 recorded 104 community-based cases including human trafficking and 2 rescue operations on April and May this year.
“The cycle of violence happens kung para sa iya (babae) normal nalang ang dagan sa violence. We need to help them more by educating men as well kung unsa ang proper way sa pag-alima sa mga babae ug ilang mga katungod,” Marylou Aniñon of DSWD-10 said.
(The cycle of violence happens if the women treats the act as a normal occurence. We need to help them more by educating men on the proper way to take care of women as well as the rights of women)
During the COVID-19 crisis, DSWD notes economic stress on families which puts children and women at greater risk of exploitation, child labor and gender-based violence. Thus, quarantine measures that accompany support for affected households are urged.
DSWD added the impending crisis of domestic violence includes gender-based violence and child abuse and neglect due to movement restrictions, isolation, loss of income, stress and anxiety.
In PNP, Hortillosa said they created the Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) to eliminate violence against women and motivate men to take the initiative in protecting women. He cited that men play a vital role in ensuring that abuse will not take place in homes.
For his part, Dr. Tristan Viado of the Department of Health (DOH) said women and their families should immediately seek help from the government to counter long-term effects of abuse to women and their children.
Among the manifestations of a disturbed pre-school upon witnessing an abuse include thumbsucking and urinating on the bed. For school-aged children, Viado said they often feel guilty on what has transpired at home.
“They think that because of them, there is an abuse at home,” the doctor added.
For teens who have witnessed abuse, they often find an excuse to get a relief from the tension at home where some resort to substance abuse or become abusers themselves.
“Always give a safe haven for your children,” Viado said urging mothers and families to utilize government services and facilities to stop the cycle of violence.
For family intervnetions, Aniñon said DSWD conducts case conference between families as well as they provide family therapy to immediately respond to family crises.
As for abused women, Aniñon said, “Know your right, daghang mga ahensya sa gobyerno ang pwedeng makatabang sa imoha (there are a lot of government agencies that can help you).”
For community-based concerns, one may call DSWD’s hotline at 09664431302 or the DOH “Kamusta ka, Tara Usap Tayo!” helpline at 09973590888 or 09658356888. (RTP/PIA10)
