A Mindanao lady solon has sought for the establishment of women’s desks in barangay halls, amid a new survey indicating that more Filipino women, mostly from poor households, are suffering from domestic violence.
"We should have a desk in every barangay dedicated to receiving complaints from women and children. The desk should be handled either by a barangay councilwoman, or a deputized female social worker or guidance counselor," said Cotabato Rep. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza.
"This a sensible approach to the reported rise in physical and sexual attacks on women at home," the lady solon said, adding that barangay councils should not take lightly any potential offenses or threats against women and children.
Talino-Mendoza said the barangay women's desks would complement, not duplicate parallel desks now active in most police stations.
"The desks will definitely encourage more victims to come forward, and help deter potential abuses," she said.
"Many victims of physical and sexual abuse may be more willing to initially complain to the barangay, rather than the nearest police station," she added.
Talino-Mendoza said poverty-stricken women lacking formal schooling are also more likely to complain once they know that they can talk to a barangay officer who is also a woman.
In fact, she said, "the barangay women's desk can support the preliminary evidence-gathering, including the referral of victims to clinics or hospitals for medical examination, and later endorse the filing of complaints with the nearest police station."
The latest National Demographic and Health Survey revealed the increasing number of Filipino women suffering from physical and sexual violence.
According to the poll, one in five Filipino women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical violence since age 15.
The survey also indicated that 26 percent of women with no education, 27 percent of women with primary education, and 14 percent of women with college or higher schooling have experienced physical violence. - PNA
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=24847.0
