DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) -- To address the increasing number of cases of domestic violence against women in the province, the provincial government has unveiled its new Women Crisis Center at the Capitol Area, Dumaguete City.

The two-storey center worth P36.9 million will serve as a temporary shelter for female victims of gender-based violence. 

The center will also accommodate abused women and children and trafficking survivors. 

Gov. Manuel "Chaco" Sagarbarria described the center as “the only proper government facility for women in crisis” in the province. 

“I know this will help so many people in crisis situations, and this is one of my advocacies since when I was still a Punong Barangay. The  first women’s desk here was set up in my barangay,” said Sagarbarria.

Social Worker Alberta Abrio of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said the crisis center will also provide services such as counseling, medical and legal assistance, and self-awareness sessions that will help women victims rebuild their self-esteem. 

Abrio noted that the victims are often discouraged from seeking justice as they keep going back and forth to the courts without a place to stay.

“With this, the victims will no longer be subjected to constant pressure and threats from offenders. This serves as a safe shelter for them,” she said.

Increased awareness

Records from the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office show that a total of 62 violence against women (VAW) cases were reported between January to February this year. 

This is an increase from the 44 cases reported in the same period last year. 

Police attribute the increase in cases as a result of heightened awareness of women's rights. 

“The increase in the number of cases is because women already know where to run in case they suffer from any form of violence,” said Lt. Helen Grace Adirite, chief of WCPD in the province in a recent Kapihan sa PIA forum. 

The PSWDO has been regularly conducting advocacy campaigns on women’s rights and gender equality in the province, emphasizing the importance of reporting VAW cases to authorities. 

Aside from this, it also continues to provide services to women in crisis situations, one of which is the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) which provides financial aid to women and children victims of violence, said PSWDO head Hillton John Edrial. 

“We have provided financial assistance to 84 women. Last year, we assisted 8,000 women for their hospitalization, psychological evaluation, and transportation needs,” said Edrial.

Under Republic Act 9262, the local government units are mandated to provide abused women and their children temporary shelters, counseling, psychosocial services and/or recovery, rehabilitation programs, and livelihood assistance. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)