In the data of our National Police, the PNP has recorded various types of violence against our women and our top 3 cases are VAWC, Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness. The number of cases of abuse has actually been increasing since our return to normalcy. However, the victims of various types of abuse of women do not go freely to the police stations or barangay centers.
Apart from our top 3 cases, concubinage or adultery by the husband, the anti-photo and video voyeurism act or the unauthorized display or uploading of intimate photos of one’s partner or an individual on social media followed. This was followed by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Anti-Trafficking in persons, Safe Spaces act or commonly known anti-bastos law, and abduction and many others with high rates of violence and abuse against women.
So, where do the victims go?
BWPC’s “Bayenihan” Support Services Project was conceived because of this gap. BWPC became a refuge to these victims of abuse in the island due to our job opportunities and skill training programs that BWPC benefit its members. Our experiences in handling VAW since 2018 includes a realistic approach for these victims to accept their (victims/survivors) fate however become an inspiration of survival and life warrior to other victims and non-victims.
The Bayenihan is a support system service that will provide a comfort and safe space for victims while BWPC provides them with jobs and trainings to lighten their burdens and give them enough time to refresh their lives to move forward to their next breakthrough in life. It’s also important that the women and girls know that there’s a helpline and a help center of support from fellow women and girls. It’s also an education campaign on laws protecting women and other programs on Gender. This will also merge other survivors and like-minded volunteers who can counsel and strengthen data gathering on gender mainstreaming in our coverage area.
