Manila: The regular information drives conducted at the community level are the main factor in the reduction of Violence Against Women (VAW) cases in the Caraga Region. During the 'Kapihan sa SM Butuan' hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 13 (Caraga), Maj. Arlene Ga, the women and children protection officer of the regional police, reported that their office recorded 594 VAW cases in the region from January to November this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, this figure represents an 8 percent decrease compared to the 651 VAW cases recorded in the region last year. Ga attributed the drop in VAW cases to ongoing information campaigns about Republic Act (RA) 9262, known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. 'We emphasize to our Women and Children Protection Desks in the provinces and municipalities the regular conduct of advocacy campaigns and lectures on RA 9262,' Ga stated.
She noted that the community campaigns often include men as participants, even during school information drives. Ga highlighted that men, as the primary perpetrators of VAW, are educated on RA 9262 through these information campaigns. However, she admitted that about 70 percent of the total recorded VAW cases are resolved between the couple, often due to economic reasons. 'We understand that most of these VAW survivors also depend on their family finances and economic needs from their husbands,' Ga explained.
Among the remaining 30 percent of cases, most resulted in arrest warrants being issued and ongoing court hearings. Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of the Protective Services Division of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 13, emphasized the importance of intervention in helping survivors from various forms of VAW. She mentioned that counseling is among the interventions provided to help survivors decide whether to file cases against their husbands.
Aranas also pointed out that filing a case and jailing the husband can protect children from further abuse. She added that if the survivor decides against filing a case, protection orders are available to prevent further abuse. The DSWD offers financial assistance and shelters for VAW victims and their children. The press briefing coincided with the start of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women in the region.
