Violence vs women and children cases in Cordillera reach 1,065

VIOLENCE against women and children (VAMC) in the Cordillera region remains to be at alarming levels.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional coordinator for the council for the welfare of children Florita Paragas said there are 1,065 cases of violence against women reported this year.

“These are just the reported cases, there are those unreported and are settled through amicable settlement,” Paragas said.

According to records from January to September, the women and children reported to the DSWD, the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Health, the Department of Justice, and the National Bureau of Investigation, non - government organization, Save Our Women, and the police.

“This is alarming because there are still unreported cases and we have a slow judicial system,” added Paragas.

Paragas said a set up of women’s and children’s desk in barangays is important to answer the needs of the abused.

Paragas said far flung areas have no DSWD, courts and police to turn to immediately when abuse occurs and because of the traditional system in the highlands, cases are left to be settled by the clan, using the traditional justice system.

“This will give no justice to the victim,” added Paragas.

In 2015, rape cases have so far totalled to 116 with Benguet logging in the highest at 28 reported cases followed by Baguio with 21, Mountain Province with 20 cases, Ifugao with 19 and Apayao, Abra and Kalinga with 12 a piece.

Since then, a summit on child welfare has been convened to address pressing issues on children in the province.

Paragas said without care and counseling, children who are witness and victims of violence may manifest these in their lives.

The PNP is eyeing to strengthen its women’s desk to make officers more effective in dealing with victims flocking to the police desk.

On Friday, the country will celebrate the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) observed annually from November 25 to December 12 to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern.