Women urged to report abuses

Local

AUTHORITIES advised women suffering from abuses to report even when the perpetrators are family members, particularly husbands, despite fears of losing financial support or causing family conflict.

"Violence inside the home should never be treated as a private family matter," said Lt. Ritchil Tesoro of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Women and Children’s Protection Desk.

During the Hisgotan Ta! media forum on Thursday, March 19, Tesoro saod ubuse is a violation of human rights and the law, and victims deserve protection and support from both the community and authorities.

She explained that many women try to handle abuse on their own, settling with the abuser rather than pursuing legal action.

Others fall into a cycle known as "battered women syndrome," repeatedly reporting abuse to the police but ultimately not filing cases, which perpetuates repeated incidents.

Tesoro encouraged women to enroll in livelihood programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to gain financial independence and confidence.

Tesoro said that women should not be scared and that the police are there to inform them of their rights and provide protection.

She emphasized that while officers can guide and support victims, they cannot force them to file a case.

Cebu province has seen a significant decline in violence against women and children (VAWC) cases.

Data from the CPPO show that from January to February 2026, cases fell to 137 from 259 during the same period in 2025—a 47 percent drop.

Cases specifically involving women decreased from 133 to 86, covering violations of the Anti-VAWC Act, acts of lasciviousness, rape, concubinage, and the Safe Spaces Act.

The decline is attributed to proactive programs implemented across the province.

The “Pulis sa Panimalay” initiative involves WCPD officers visiting at least 10 households daily per police station, distributing informational flyers, educating residents about legal consequences, and encouraging early reporting.

The “Pito Laban sa Abuso” program complements these efforts by providing whistles to residents as tools to signal danger and seek immediate assistance, empowering communities to play an active role in preventing and addressing abuse.

Earlier, Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced that the provincial government will soon open a dedicated shelter for abused women and children called “Balay ni Neneng.”

“Naa nay lugar, ang pag-build na lang sa building,” she said in a press conference.

She explained that the shelter is necessary because many victims, particularly women and their children, often have nowhere to go even after abusers are apprehended.

The province continues to enforce the Safe Spaces Act, locally known as the “Bawal Bastos Law,” which protects individuals from gender-based harassment in public spaces, workplaces, schools, and online.

The provincial government also coordinates inter-agency efforts through the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-VAWC).

Agencies report accomplishments under Republic Act Nos. 9262 and 9208, monitor trends in VAWC and trafficking cases, and plan programs for prevention, protection, and survivor recovery.

In addition, Cebu’s barangays play an active role in protecting women and children.

Many local offices have established Barangay VAWC Desks to receive complaints, provide counseling, and facilitate referrals to the police or social welfare offices.

Social workers and community volunteers regularly conduct awareness campaigns and seminars to educate residents about women’s rights, legal protections, and the importance of early reporting.

Tesoro said that house visitation programs and community dialogues have also contributed to the province-wide reduction in cases.

Police officers and local leaders discuss the legal consequences of abuse, community vigilance, and the need to protect vulnerable members of society.

She highlighted that while Cebu has made progress, some communities still treat domestic violence as a private family matter, underscoring the need for continued education and enforcement.(MyTVCebu)