Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women and Children in the Philippines

Abegail M Iloco,Annie C Clores,Glenda M Dimaano,Leo Justine D Javier

doi:10.30560/hssr.v1n2p52

Abegail M Iloco, Annie C Clores + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v1n2p52

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Abstract

In a country where gender and development is promoted, professionals, educators, students, household and families must be exposed in the issues of Violence against Women and Children in the Philippines. Hence, this mixed method study determined the prevalence of domestic violence against women and children in the municipality of Malvar with an end goal of proposing extension service activities to minimize the problem of domestic violence in the municipality of Malvar. Specifically, it dealt with the following: the issues of violence against women and children in the municipality from 2014-2016, the police officers’ perspective in addressing such case, and the factors that drive the complaints to report such case. The data were obtained through the issues of violence reported in the women’s desk and interview of the two police officers and two random victims. By evaluating and analysing the information gathered, the researchers found out that the common factor that lead the complainant to report the case was the victim’s fear that even their children may experience violence from the husband. The results of the study also revealed that reluctance of the victims to pursue the complaints and the victims’ tolerance of abuse are the problems which boil down the culture. In connection to victims’ reluctance to pursue the complaint, problems like costly, lengthy litigation and corruption in the judiciary and prosecution exist. These problems discourage the victims in filing formal complains. In addition, there is no established national free legal aid program for financially challenged women. In line of the above cited problems, the researchers recommend that victims be referred to DSWD even if she does not file formal complaint. In instances when the victims chooses to go back to her abuser, consistent monitoring and counselling must be done to inform them of other remedies like that of Barangay Protection Order which is cheaper and readily available in barangay.

Highlights

There are many reports of positive change in international, national and local laws focusing on development, equality and human rights that lead to positive outcome in deed and attitude on the part of governments, religious organizations and other institutions when looking at the key development issues through gendered lens-looking at how development decisions and practices affect both men and women
The researchers sought the permission of the Officer-In-Charge in Malvar Police Station of the reported cases of Violence Against Women and Children from year 2014 up to 2016
There were a total of 30 reported cases of Violence against Women and Children in the Municipality of Malvar from 2014-2016

Summary

Introduction

There are many reports of positive change in international, national and local laws focusing on development, equality and human rights that lead to positive outcome in deed and attitude on the part of governments, religious organizations and other institutions when looking at the key development issues through gendered lens-looking at how development decisions and practices affect both men and women. Gender and development refers to the development perspective and process that are participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potential. It seeks to achieve gender equality as a fundamental value that should be reflected in development choices; seek to transform society’s social, economic and political structures; and question the validity of the gender roles ascribed to women and men; contends that women are active agents of development and not just passive recipients of development assistance; and stresses the need of women to organize themselves and participate in political processes to strengthen their legal rights. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace

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