Number of minor victims of violence rises

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Women and Children Protection Desk (RWCPD) - 7 has noted an increase of children being victims of violence compared to previous years for the month of January to February alone.

In a report presented by RWCPD-7 during yesterday’s Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) at the Police Regional headquarters, Jan. to Feb. 2012 recorded the highest number of children who were victims of violence compared to the same period in the past two years.

Sr. Insp. Rosefiela Santolorin, who represented RWCPD-7, told reporters that Jan. to Feb. 2012 had a total of 261 reported incidents of violence against children, an increase of 15 incidents compared to 2011, which only had 246 incidents recorded.

This, however, was close to what RWCPD-7 recorded in 2010, with 257 incidents.

Santolorin said the increase can be attributed to their intensified campaign to educate the public, especially children and women, on the laws which protect their rights.

They are conducting barangay visits throughout the region to reach those who are prone to such abuses. 

“We reach them through visiting their barangays and educating them of their rights. Teaching them to immediately report incidents when they are abused,” Santolorin said. 

Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 was also included in their information campaign.

She said RWCPD-7 considers the increase as a positive sign brought by their hard work in coordination with the Local Government Units in the region.

Despite the increase of children being victims of violence, RWCPD-7 recorded a decrease of women being victims of violence between Jan. to Feb. 2012, with a total of 311 incidents or a decrease of 58 incidents compared to last year’s 369 incidents.

Santolorin considered the decrease of women being victims of violence as another effect of their continuing efforts.  

RWCPD-7 records also showed that in 2011, Cebu Provincial Police Office topped the list of most women being victims of violence with 281 incidents recorded followed by Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office with 197 and Lapu-Lapu City Police Office with 170 cases.

RWCPD-7 also recorded a total of 498 victims of human trafficking in 2011, a decrease of 697 victims compared to 1, 195 victims in 2010. –(FREEMAN)