Romeo Braceros Jr.

Photo: Pinoy Helping Hands in Kuwait

Police Regional Office-7 has observed an increase in the number of incidents of violence against women in Cebu City and the rest of Central Visayas.

According to Police Major Nio Lawrence Ibo of Police Regional Office-7, the number of incidents involving violence against women and children has been steadily rising in the city. PRO-7 has carried out 122 operations in connection with the Republic Act since 2016. 

Eighty-one people were detained under the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Law (Section 9262), which also rescued 332 trafficking and VAWC victims.

Shalaine Lucero, the regional director for DSWD-7, revealed that the ratio of abused women in the nation remained at 1:4, meaning one in every four women. These women experience physical, verbal, or a combination of abuse.

Women frequently hesitate to disclose abuse in its early phases because they worry that their husbands or partner will leave them.

If nothing is done, the abuse might continue and eventually pose severe threats to one's life, according to Lucero.

In response, the municipal administration launched a program that is an 18-day celebration in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children through the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) and the Inter-Agency Council vs. Child Pornography.

At a recent opening program conducted in the Social Hall of the City Hall Executive Building, more than 300 representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations took part.

Speakers gave different speeches to educate women on the value of standing up for their rights, particularly in the early stages of violence.

Ananisa Aviso, the DSWS Focal Person, explained that their office provides victims with technical assistance, including psychological intervention.

A team at DSWD is also equipped to offer particular psychological interventions, for instance, to people leaving abusive situations.

In particular, Aviso urged everyone listening to feel empowered by the law constantly.