Violence vs women drops by 21% in Eastern Visayas

CASES of violence against women (VAW) in Eastern Visayas have dropped by 21 percent in 2018 compared to those in 2017, a senior police official said on Monday, March 18.

Police Senior Inspector Analiza Armeza, chief of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas, said "this notable decrease of incidents is the product of the combined efforts of the Philippine National Police and other counterparts in the fight against gender-based violence."

Armeza said a total of 997 VAW incidents were recorded in 2018, compared to the 1,267 cases in 2017.

“There is a significant reduction of 270 incidents or 21 percent lower,” she said.

The offenses recorded were rape, acts of lasciviousness, anti-violence against women and their children (Republic Act 9262), anti-trafficking in persons (RA 9208), physical injury, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and others.

“Our campaign against all forms of abuses is a continuous commitment. Raising consciousness on matters involving women is not just our concern alone but it is everyone’s lookout. We should all take part in realizing a VAW-free community,” Armeza said.

She said the WCPD-Eastern Visayas is taking its lead role in conducting investigation and filing of cases involving abuse and violence, particularly against women and children.

Also, they promote programs and advocacy activities through lectures on special laws protecting women and children, especially in schools and barangays to strengthen community awareness.

The WCPD initiates inter-agency fora with the aid of different stakeholders for the public to be fully aware of their rights, on what to do and where to go whenever said crimes happen, Armeza said in a statement.

“As empowered women of today, take courage and stand up for your rights,” Armeza urged VAW victims.

She added that VAW cases are filed with the Family Courts or Regional Trial Court with judicial jurisdiction on the crime committed. (SunStar Philippines)