Group applies measures vs child abuse

THE Anti-Child Abuse Network (Acan) continues to thwart child abuse in Baguio City through various preventive measures.

According to records of the City Prosecutor's Office, the number of child abuse cases has continued to decrease.

In January 2013, there are only nine cases of child abuse filed compared to 2011 with 160 cases, and 2012 with 45 cases filed for the rest of the year.

Prosecutor Ruth Bernabe said these cases include child abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.

Bernabe said sexual abuse registered the most cases but stressed that it "is not true that girls are the only victims of sexual abuse as the number of male victims is growing."

Meanwhile, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the local government will help parents eliminate child abuse and exploitation in the city.

Committee on Women and Social Services chairman Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said there will be several activities conducted this month to celebrate the 17th National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children.

Acan will host forums such as the Orientation on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse at the Baguio City National High School on February 19; Parent-Child Encounter Part 3 Quality Time with Children on February 23; and Orientation to Service Providers on the New Laws Concerning Children on February 27 at the Manzanillo Subdivision.

Some of the agencies involved with Acan are the departments of the Interior and Local Government, Education, Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, Philippine National Police, non-government organizations, law enforcement agencies, public and private hospitals, and professional, business and civic organizations. (Julia del Rosario, UPB Intern)