CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Central Luzon has intensified its call for action against violence against women (VAW) as it encourages victims to report incidents.
Legal Division Attorney IV Aloi Renz Santos shared that from January to June 2024, they have recorded a total of nine cases of gender-based violence. Of these, four involve girls, and eight were rape cases.
“These number do not reflect the real scenario in Region 3 because CHR believes that there are still many victims of rape and other forms of violence who do not report to authorities,” he said.
With this, the agency stressed the need for a collective effort to address the prevalence of gender-based violence.
“The fight against VAW is a social responsibility. We should not be apathetic. Instead, we must all be aware, participative, and vocal in supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. Let us be the voice of the weak. Let us support those who cannot fight for themselves,” Santos said.
He also underscored the importance of empowering victims by creating a safe and supportive environment where they can report incidents without fear of judgment or retaliation.
“Let us stop the culture of victim blaming. We must have the mentality that there is rape because there are rapists. We have to empower the victims so they are not afraid to come forward to seek justice,” Santos furthered.
For its part, CHR reiterated its commitment to uphold and protect women’s rights through advocacy campaigns and information dissemination to the public about their rights and the services available to victims, such as legal aid, counselling, and temporary shelters.
Santos said one of the focus of their awareness campaigns is on the implementation of Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, emphasizing stricter penalties for harassment occurring inside government premises or perpetrated by state workers.
As part of its initiative, CHR strengthened partnerships with local government units, non-governmental organizations, and law enforcement agencies to improve the mechanisms for reporting and addressing VAW cases.
It continues to evaluate and strengthen protection mechanisms for women facing violence and abuse through regular monitoring of VAW desks and frontline responders at the barangay and police station levels.
“We work closely with law enforcers to ensure that all cases are handled promptly and effectively. We also emphasize the need for gender-based and rights-based approach in dealing with these cases,” he said.
In addition, CHR offers assistance to victims, including financial support for legal proceedings and psycho-social services.
“We should also highlight the importance of mental health support and community reintegration for victims to help facilitate their recovery process,” he pressed.
Santos also mentioned that the commission collaborates with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and legal aid clinics from state universities like the Don Honorio Ventura State University and Tarlac State University to ensure that victims receive proper legal representation and support.
CHR appeals to the victims and their families to report cases through its regional offices or hotlines, as it reiterates its commitment to contribute to a safer and more inclusive society where violence against women is eradicated. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA Region 3, Pampanga)
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