PRC-ILOILO conducted another GAD-related seminar entitled “Responding to Incidence of VAWC” with Hon. Anne Beatrice A. Balmaceda, Presiding Judge, Branch 1, MTCC of the Hall of Justice, Iloilo City as Resource Speaker.

This seminar was conducted so PRC-Iloilo personnel could acquire strengthened awareness and clearer understanding of the concept of Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC); discuss the brief video clips on the incidence of VAWC in the community; critically analyze various scenarios where VAWC are manifested, and what legal options the victim(s) may pursue; identify approaches in developing/ strengthening the victims political will to pursue a case against perpetrators; and internalize the significance of the role of women in curtailing the incidence of VAWC.

The presentation of Judge Balmaceda started with video clips on “Bawal sa Batas” illustrating examples of the different kinds of abuses/violence against women and their children, including physical abuse, psychological abuse, emotional sexual abuse, and economic abuse. She used these as take-off points in discussing salient points of Republic Act No. 9262 or “An Act Defining Violence Against Women And Their Children, Providing For Protective Measures For Victims, Prescribing Penalties Therefore, And For Other Purposes”, also known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women And Their Children Act of 2004”.

Judge Balmaceda underscored the need for everyone “…not to be indifferent…”, to address incidents of VAWC in the neighborhood, by responding or reporting it to stop the “cycle of violence”. She also elaborated on how one may secure a Protection Order from the Barangay or the Family Court, whichever is appropriate. Followed by a lively open forum, she summed up with a message towards the need for vigilance and women empowerment. This is the last GAD-related program for 2014 for PRC Region 6.