Hontiveros urges PNP: Protect our women, children from domestic abuse

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and to keep their communication lines open to victims of domestic abuse which is now on the rise while the country fights the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.

Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Gender Equality, and Family Relations, cited global reports on the rising incidence of domestic abuse in cities and countries that have implemented enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or similar measures in a bid to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“There is a pattern. For places that have implemented a lockdown, from China to France, there is an increase of domestic violence in cases reported to the authorities,” Hontiveros said.

The senator said the extension of the ECQ is necessary but authorities must work doubly-hard to ensure the protection of women and children.

“The lockdown should not allow us to become lax in securing the safety of women and children,” she said.

“The challenge now is to make sure that channels are open and are readily-available to victims of domestic violence,” she added.

Hontiveros also urged the PNP to strengthen its ties with local government units (LGUs) and barangays in the campaign against domestic violence during the time of the quarantine.

“We need the LGUs, the PNP, and PCW (Philippine Commission on Women) to remain vigilant. At-risk women and children should know that they can ask for help even during quarantine,” she stressed.

Hontiveros also urged the PCW to coordinate with LGUs in setting up a new domestic violence helpline in all barangays. To further protect women and children, she said LGUs should consider preparing safe houses for vulnerable women and children.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) latest data, the lawmaker noted that an alarming one in four women aged 15 to 49 has experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from a husband or partner.

“There will be a surge of domestically-abused Filipino women if we turn a blind eye. We must take all necessary actions to stop any form of violence within the family,” said Hontiveros.

“Those who are living with domestic abusers are suffering from multiple forms of trauma during this pandemic. During this very difficult time of COVID-19, let us work harder in keeping our women and children safe,” she stressed.