Help Stop Domestic Violence – Educate Yourself

1. Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is also known as Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) is one of the most sensitive issues in our society today. Some women tend to deny that they are under the situation because they are either afraid or ashamed that people will judge them. Some women even tolerate it just for the sake of marriage and their children. Some even cover up or give excuses why the abuser have done it.

Domestic Violence takes in many forms as categorized in RA 9262 and these are as follows;

a. Physical Violence

– includes minor to serious physical injuries.
According to Philippine Commission on Women 20% of women are experiencing physical violence aged from 15-49 years old, while 37% of a failed marriage and widowed women experience it.

b. Sexual Violence –

Any act of forcing a woman or her child to any sexual activity. According to Philippine Commission on Women 10% of women are experiencing sexual violence aged from 15-49 years old.

c. Psychological Violence

– refers to acts or omissions causing or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering of the victim such as verbal abuse. These sometimes go unnoticed since

no physical injury is done but, more often this is the start of violating human rights of women. and

d. Economic Abuse

– refers to acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially dependent. It involves deprivation of funds either conjugal or the victim’s resources.

What to do when you’re under such circumstances

If you or someone you love, are experiencing any of this kind of violence you must stand up for yourself because it sometimes leads to death especially if the physical injuries inflicted is severe. Please refer to the following to secure yourself and your children or your loved ones from any forms of violence.

File TPO or PPO

You can file or apply for Temporary Protective Order (TPO) or Permanent Protective Order (PPO) in Regional Trial Court or Municipal Trial Court with territorial jurisdiction over the place of residence of the petitioner for you and your children to be safe from any harm from your intimate partner. It should be signed and verified under affidavit by the applicant.

Seek Professional Help

The following are the hotlines and Government Offices you can ask for support and assistance for any violence related incidents.

There are also women who suffer distress or mental health issu

es after the violence. Seek professional help if you are suffering from these so you can restore yourself. The journey to your complete healing is not easy a lot of obstacles may be encountered especially if the children are the victims, it is very traumatic to face the ordeal but surrounding yourself with the people who love you and you can carry on. Moreover, trusting that God will be there for you and your children will lighten the burden.

Keep an Evidence of Medical Report

If the case is elevated to the higher court a Legal Medical Report is needed as a proof of Physical Injuries or Sexual assault. It also helps to have images of the violence encountered.

Take Courage

Do not resort to drug or alcohol to cover the hurt. It’s easier said than done but it really takes a lot of courage and determination to fight the aftermath of violence.

We should learn to empower ourselves so we and our children should not experience this violence. Educate yourself and know when you’re rights as a human so that you will be protected and respected. Domestic Violence can also impair your mental, reproductive and emotional health aside from physical injuries that it caused you as stated by World Health Organization (WHO) so we should be watchful when it comes to these matters.