BACOLOD CITY (PIA) — Women and children facing domestic violence can always find safety and protection at this city’s “Balay Pasilungan” or “shelter home” located at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) grounds.
This was stressed by BCPO Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) officer-in-charge Lt. Rowena Jean Magan, in an interview over PIA Negros Occidental’s radio program recently.
She said Balay Pasilungan, which began operations in the early 2000s, continues to offer temporary shelter and protective custody, including essential support, to women and children under dangerous situations or exposed to abuse and exploitation.
In this facility, victims of domestic violence are also taught awareness and empowered to take action against and never tolerate any form of abuse, such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual, and economic.
“If they need psychological support or evaluation, the [Bacolod City] Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) provides it… With regards to their food, it is on us. They have nothing to worry about,” according to Magan in the local language.
House parents also ensure 24/7 monitoring and care for those seeking solace from difficult and often harm-inflicting situations.
“The WCPD, as an investigator, we are in charge of filing cases until such time that a warrant is issued to the perpetrators,” Magan added.
The official then noted that victims of abuse can stay at the Balay Pasilungan for as long as deemed necessary or until social workers find a long-term facility for them to stay in.
In celebration of National Women’s Month, she then lauded her fellow women for their indispensable contributions in the community, especially in building a family with good relationships within, and assured them of the police’s continuing efforts to protect and promote their rights and wellbeing.
“We at the Women and Children Protection Desk stand against any form of violence and discrimination against women and children. To all women of Bacolod City, know that your strength and courage inspires us every day.”
The Balay Pasilungan is a collaboration among the Bacolod City Government, the BCPO, and international volunteer organization Soroptimist International Bacolod. (AGP/BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
