In my work, I have journeyed along with a number of women and their families who have experienced domestic
violence. I remember one particular case wherein the mother was beaten repeatedly, threatened further bodily harm and shot with an improvised hand gun. She filed for a barangay protection order against her husband only to be kicked out of their home together with her two young children. Her mother-in-law owned the house where they lived.
violence. I remember one particular case wherein the mother was beaten repeatedly, threatened further bodily harm and shot with an improvised hand gun. She filed for a barangay protection order against her husband only to be kicked out of their home together with her two young children. Her mother-in-law owned the house where they lived.
I was also able to visit and console the parents of a young woman in her early 20's who died from the beatings she received from her common law partner. She was a dutiful daughter who was able to finish a college degree despite their poverty. She was not economically dependent on her partner who chose to live in her home. She left behind her small child who was the only witness to the tragic event.
Nalungkot ako para sa anak niya.
What could have made her stay in a life of despair? What factors could have made her to choose an abuser as a life partner? What could have been done by her family and her community to prevent such tragedy?
***
There are a number of films and videos on the web depicting the struggle of women suffering physical, emotional and sexual violence in the hands of their intimate partners. One such poignant film is " Night and Fog", which was written by King Wei Chung, produced and directed by Ann Hui which illustrates how a system that aims to prevent the break-up of families could fail to save the lives of people caught up in a life of domestic abuse.
The mother's story in the film represents the stories of many women struggling to leave a life of domestic violence and rebuild their lives once more with their loved ones.
One very helpful video on domestic violence and the learnings of survivors is the Ted talk of Lelie Morgan Steiner , "Why domestic violence victims don't leave." I highly recommend her talk.
Nalungkot ako para sa anak niya.
What could have made her stay in a life of despair? What factors could have made her to choose an abuser as a life partner? What could have been done by her family and her community to prevent such tragedy?
***
There are a number of films and videos on the web depicting the struggle of women suffering physical, emotional and sexual violence in the hands of their intimate partners. One such poignant film is " Night and Fog", which was written by King Wei Chung, produced and directed by Ann Hui which illustrates how a system that aims to prevent the break-up of families could fail to save the lives of people caught up in a life of domestic abuse.
The mother's story in the film represents the stories of many women struggling to leave a life of domestic violence and rebuild their lives once more with their loved ones.
One very helpful video on domestic violence and the learnings of survivors is the Ted talk of Lelie Morgan Steiner , "Why domestic violence victims don't leave." I highly recommend her talk.
***
These are the contact numbers of government institutions people may call to refer cases involving violence against women and children:
1.Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Batasan Pambansa Complex Q.C. (02) 931-8101 to 07
2.DSWD-NCR Ugnayan Pag-asa Crisis Intervention Center
Legarda, Manila (02) 734-8639, 734-8654, 734-6727 to 27
Legarda, Manila (02) 734-8639, 734-8654, 734-6727 to 27
3.PNP Camp Crame, Q.C, 723-401-20
4.PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)
Camp Crame, Q.C, 410-3213
Camp Crame, Q.C, 410-3213
5.Aleng Pulis Text Hotline (0919)-7777377
6. Human Trafficking Action Line 1343
7. NBI Violence against Women and Children Desk
(02) 5238231
CRISIS CENTERS:
Women's Crisis Center (counseling and advocacy)
Helplines: (632) 926-7744 or 922-5235
Telefax: (632) 925-7133 or 436-5088
E-mail: wccmanila@...
3/F ER-Trauma Annex
East Avenue Medical Center
East Avenue, Diliman Quezon City
Philippines 1102
Women's Desk, PGH
Tel (632) 5548400 loc. 2536
LEGAL ASSISTANCE:
Women's Legal Bureau
Room 505, UP College of Social works and Community Development
UP Diliman, QC
Tel. (02) 9214389
Department of Justice Public Attorney's Office (DOJ PAO)
Tel. (02) 929-9436 loc. 106 and 107
(02) 5238231
CRISIS CENTERS:
Women's Crisis Center (counseling and advocacy)
Helplines: (632) 926-7744 or 922-5235
Telefax: (632) 925-7133 or 436-5088
E-mail: wccmanila@...
3/F ER-Trauma Annex
East Avenue Medical Center
East Avenue, Diliman Quezon City
Philippines 1102
Women's Desk, PGH
Tel (632) 5548400 loc. 2536
LEGAL ASSISTANCE:
Women's Legal Bureau
Room 505, UP College of Social works and Community Development
UP Diliman, QC
Tel. (02) 9214389
Department of Justice Public Attorney's Office (DOJ PAO)
Tel. (02) 929-9436 loc. 106 and 107
Please see the links below to know more about Philippine laws instituted to protect women and children from violence.
1. Protection Orders under Republic Act 9262
2. Republic Act 9262 Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act
2. Republic Act 9262 Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act
4. PNP Legal Advisory (QandA) RA 9262
5. Situationer on Violence Against Women by "Ivow Against VAW"
5. Situationer on Violence Against Women by "Ivow Against VAW"
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