Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Priest’s ‘victim’ haunted by ordeal
THE Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) will prioritize the woman who accused Fr. Jose “Joey” Belciña of raping her in their rehabilitation services.
PWC member Ricky Rama-Poca said the woman continues to be disturbed by her ordeal with Belciña, whom she accused of raping her thrice sometime in 2005 and 2006.
Poca said during yesterday’s 888 Forum that he was able to talk to a friend of the alleged victim and was informed that the woman, who is now 20 years old, has not moved on.
“The settlement was between the priest and the family, which makes everybody happy, except the woman... The bottom line is, she needs the help of a psychologist and a support group,” he added.
Provincial Board (PB) Member Agnes Magpale, PWC chairperson, has been informed about the situation.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Magpale said the Provincial Government recently hired a psychologist, who will be assigned to the PWC to help victims of abuse. The alleged rape victim, she said, will be their priority.
“She will be the very first person the psychologist will visit,” said Magpale, adding that she will accompany the psychologist.
Magpale supported the alleged victim in seeking justice and bringing Belciña to court.
Belciña was then assigned as parish priest of Barangay Maslog in Danao City while the woman was his scholar. The woman claimed that Belciña raped her between 2005 and 2006.
A panel of prosecutors, however, ruled that consensual sex took place, and not rape . But since the first intercourse happened when the victim was only 17 years old, a child abuse case was filed against Belciña.
Before the merits of the case were heard, the woman filed an affidavit of desistance, saying she wants to move on with her life.
But three years after the alleged rape incidents, she has yet to move on, Poca said.
Yesterday’s 888 news forum focused on the activities of the PWC.
Poca, the only male member of the commission, said that support should not be limited to the victims, who are usually women and children, but should also be extended to the male abusers.
“The problem of abuse will not be solved if you neglect the men. There are programs intended for the victims, but what happens to the batterers?” asked Poca.
Poca suggested setting up a center where the abusers can be sent for rehabilitation.
For Cebu Normal University President Ester Velasquez, education is the key to addressing the problem on the abuse against women and children.
She said the PWC should also monitor whether or not the Women’s Code is integrated in the schools’ curriculum.
“Teachers should also remind the students not to show their bodies no matter how fit they are,” said Velasquez, referring to scantily dressed women.
Poca also mentioned that the PWC already sent a letter to television stations ABS-CBN and GMA 7, calling their attention on noontime shows that feature scantily clad women who dance in a vulgar manner. (JGA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 7, 2008 issue)
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