EDITORIAL – Violence against women
November 29, 2007
triciacampos2007
In a nation where women have become so empowered people have sent women to the presidency twice in the past two decades, there are still too many women who become victims of violence. A report yesterday said that from January to October this year, the police received 4,687 complaints involving violence against women. Most of the cases involved physical injuries; others involved sexual assault. Last year the total was 5,758.
The country has passed some of the toughest laws to protect women from violence, harassment and discrimination. Professions that have long been dominated by men, including the military and police, have been opened to women. Special police units have been set up to deal with cases of violence against women and children. Yet thousands of women continue to suffer from violence, often at the hands of their husbands or other relatives.
Yesterday the nation joined the rest of the world in kicking off a two-week period devoted to ending violence against women. Advocates of women’s rights called on local governments in particular to inform women about laws that are supposed to protect them from violence. Among the biggest victims of violence are women from impoverished families. Poverty, illiteracy and financial dependence on men have kept women in the dark about their rights and the protection they enjoy under the law.
But violence does not spare even educated women. Whether poor or affluent, many women are embarrassed to admit that they are victims of violence or sexual abuse. The mere filing of a formal complaint can be an ordeal. Often victims turn to the police only when their lives are in grave danger. Such women need special assistance. Church groups and non-government organizations are active in this area, but their efforts can use a boost especially from local governments. The country has enough laws to protect women against all forms of violence. What is needed is better enforcement of those laws, coupled with an aggressive campaign to inform women about their rights.
EDITORIAL
The Philippine Star
Entry Filed under: Editorial
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