CHAPTER 1

The Problem and its Scope

INTRODUCTION
Violence against women and children (VAWC). The Philippines is no stranger
to these words. It is real, it is happening, it is claiming lives. Violence against
women and children appears to be one of the countrys pervasive social problems.
The wide prevalence of such violence takes an enormous toll on the lives of
individual victims as well as the larger society, through innumerable behavioral,
health, psychological, and economic consequences.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) documented a total of 1,100 to 7,383
cases of Violence to women and children from 1996 to 2004. The highest record
was in 2001 at 10, 343. Cases included physical injuries, battering, verbal abuse
and rape (incestuous and attempted).
Cebu City local government also claims that VAWC continues to be a major
social and public health problem affecting thousands of women not only in Cebu but
also worldwide. In a Cebu City Police Office comparative report, a total of 863
women violence-related cases have been reported in the year 2013 which is an
increase of 126.51 percent, compared to 381 cases in year 2012.
(www.philstar.com)
There are just some of the realities that contribute to the vulnerability of
Filipino women and children to violence. An even greater problem is that some
communities fail to respond towards domestic violence. Aside from lacking
rehabilitation programs, it is also seen that some abuse falls in a cyclical pattern
due to lack of facilities for the victims. However, the local government of Cebu had
been trying their best to establish facilities and programs primarily to address the
issues of violence against women and children in city.
RATIONALE
Significant progress has been made by both the government and nongovernment organizations in Cebu City in terms of addressing and eliminating
Violence against Women and Children. Facilities and programs have also been
established to alleviate the impacts of VAW. One of this is the development of a
Crisis Center for Women and Children that will serve as a refuge and temporary
shelter for the victims/survivors of abuse, violence, human trafficking and all other
forms of exploitation.

The facility will be composed of the legal, psychosocial, administrative, medical and
direct social services. and is also expected to give livelihood programs for the
victims.