Baguio City launches 18-day campaign to end violence vs women

by Lito Dar

Baguio City (28 November) — The Save Our Women Foundation, in cooperation with the city’s Gender Equality and Development (GEAD) Council’s Inter-agency Committee on Violence against Women and Children (VAW-C) launched its own 18-day campaign in a Kapihan forum at the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Wednesday.

The 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women and Children is observed nationwide from November 25 to December 12 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1172. This year’s theme is “Commit, Act, Demand: we can end Violence Against Women.”

Locally, the observance is centered on a “Pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women”.

In the said forum, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Betty Fangasan confirmed that reported cases of violence against women are increasing. She attributed this to the increasing awareness of women about their rights under the law.

In Baguio City alone, collated reports from the CSWDO, Baguio City Police Office Women & Children Protection Desk (BCPO-WCPD), Baguio General Hospital – Women & Children Protection Unit (BGH-WCPU) and Save Our Women Foundation, show that for the first three quarters of 2009 alone, there were already 493 VAW cases reported, compared to the 429 VAW cases reported for the whole of year of 2008.

Fangasan bared that majority of the cases were physical abuses, while other cases reported involved sexual abuse and economically abused women.

Patricia Gallardo, of Save Our Women Foundation, informed that as part of the launching activity, they have started a signature campaign along Session Road, for a pledge to never commit or condone violence against women, girls and children. They are also initiating the wearing of white ribbon as a sign against Domestic and Intimate Relationship Violence (DIV).

April Lippi Sudango of BGH-WCPU, Atty Debbie Dulay of the Public Attorney’s office, PO1 Grace Marron of the BCPO-WCPD and Marvin Gaddang of Save Our Women Foundation also shared their respective offices experiences and programs offered in relation to violence against women.

Tthe panelists enjoined all women to resolve to speak out against the abusive behavior of other men toward women, girls and children. There are existing laws that give them rights and protection, as well as government and private sector programs that could give them assistance in such endeavor, they said. (PIA)