A PROPOSAL is being studied to set aside a special fund for activities in Cebu City that would help end violence against women and children.
“From what I understood of the draft ordinance, the purpose is to help give livelihood programs, shelter and even activities that would help lift the morale of the victims,” said Insp. Arieza Otida, chief of the city police’s Women and Children’s Protection desk, who expressed support for the measure.
Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon proposed to establish the fund from the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) budget. Cebu City Councilor Leah Japson, co-author, said the city needs to give additional support services to women and child victims of violence and abuse.
The CCPO Women and Children Protection Desk recorded 863 cases of violence against women and children such as physical abuse, threats and rape since 2011. Otida said an intensified education campaign has helped encourage women to report abuses. She said the most common form is physical abuse followed by psychological, emotional and even economic abuse.