SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) discussed some guides on ending Violence Against Women and Children.
This is in line with the18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), which carries the theme “United for a VAW-free Philippines” with 2024 sub-theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!”.
Social Welfare Officer Marian D. Sabaria of DSWD-4Ps Office Antique, during the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) radio program PAGPAATHAG on 91.7 Radyo Natin San Jose, discussed some guides on ending VAW in homes and communities.
She emphasized education and economic empowerment among women are critical factors that could prevent women and children from being victims of VAWC, thus, she urged women to engage in income-generating activities so they could earn and have control over their income.
Sabaria also noted that VAWC cases are not only happening to poor families but many women in unprivileged families are reported more vulnerable to abuse.
With this, she shared some DSWD’s interventions with Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries so they could gain empowerment.
The Family Development Sessions (FDS) were seen to have given 4Ps families a greater impact and realization of the critical role of parents and children in attaining a wholesome family and successful children.
She also noted that the awareness of parents on gender-fair child rearing learned during the FDS has taught parents about stereotyped-free parenting, thus freeing children from roles assigned through their culture and traditions.
“In some communities, cultural norms discourage reporting incidents of abuse. Violence is often seen as taboo or something to be tolerated within the household, which perpetuates the cycle of abuse. This mindset must change,” Sabaria explained.
She stressed the importance of breaking this cycle of violence, urging household members, especially fathers to create a safe and nurturing environment for their families.
With this 18-day campaign to end VAW, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) highlights the urgency of the advocacy in line with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 (RA 9262).
Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 seeks to protect women and children from various forms of abuse and imposes strict penalties on perpetrators. (AG/PSM/ PIA Antique with reports from MPO/GIP/DOLE)
