Chapter 1

Introduction

This world has many issues, and child abuse is one of them (Nemeroff,

2017). It needs to be addressed as a whole. An extremely delicate topic, child

abuse can be decreased if does identify correctly (Samson, 2017). Overall, child

abuse refers to the mistreatment of a child or juvenile (Wiley, 2006). This type of

abuse can be perpetrated by anybody, not only the child's parents. A child

abuses in various ways, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect

(Rosenzweig, 2016). Although there are many distinct forms of child abuse, they

all have similar consequences. According to the (WHO) World Health

Organization, one billion children aged 2-17 years were abused or neglected in

2018.

Moreover, the fact that adults cannot take care of themselves or protect

themselves from abuse, neglect, brutality, or exploitation is another reason

children rely on adults to start their lives. With this, the parents must first meet

the child's basic needs such as food, shelter, and love and then offer the young

person some form of guidance (Buss, 2019). Furthermore, abuse occurs when

parents or other people who care for children become violent; consequently,

every verbal and physical attack affects the child's growth. The maltreatment of a

child can have a lot of adverse effects on the child's self-esteem. This experience

may lead to drug abuse, psychological issues, or even criminal behavior

(Maxfield, 1994, & Widom,1996). Physically abused children may display various
symptoms taking different expressions such as psychiatric illness, drug and

substance abuse, criminality, poor social skills, and low ambitions in life have an

extra occurrence of exposure (Straus, 1991). 

According to the Council for the Welfare of Children and UNICEF

Philippines 2016, three out of five children experience verbal abuse, threats,

abandonment by their parents or guardians. In the past 12 months, there was

psychological violence for 33% of children aged 13 to 18 (DeCamp, 2011). A

third had experienced psychological violence in their homes, schools, or

workplaces, while one in every four in the community had, while dating their

partners, approximately 13.5 percent experienced verbal abuse and threats

(Clerk, 2016). Children's abuse is addressed in the Philippines by a wide range of

government entities and NGO's through national policies and programs (Cruz &

Yacat, 2010), some of them are the (DSWD) Department of Social Welfare and

Development, the (CWC) Council for the Welfare of Children, the Committee for

Special Protection of Children (CSPC), and the Barangay Community Councils

(BCC). The Department of Social Welfare and Development's duty is to conduct

and regulate residential care, domestic and international adoption, and various

family-based welfare programs (PSA and UNICEF 2015). The CWC is another

Philippine government entity charged with designing, coordinating, and

monitoring children's policy, ensuring that children's rights are observed and

enforced (Bessell, 2009). The Special Protection Against Child Abuse,

Exploitation and Discrimination Committee of the Department of Justice supports

the criminal justice system's efforts to protect children by providing legal

protection for children and monitoring, organizing, and overseeing the

investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases described in the Republic Act

7610. This committee works to promote this legislation and put laws and policies

in place to protect children. Furthermore, the Barangay Councils for the

Protection of Children (BCPC) operate at the local government level and provide

an early reaction to child protection issues in local communities, supporting

abandoned children who have been maltreated and abused (Save the Children,

2011; ECPAT, 2006). 

According to Erwin B. Bucio (2013), delinquent acts of street children in

Cagayan de Oro City, a study conducted found that the youngest child has the

highest tendency to commit delinquent acts because of immaturity and neglect to

give them care as parents seem tired. In addition, The place of origin recorded a

higher incidence in all delinquent acts is in the city (De Gracia, 2012), this shows

that children who commit delinquent acts are in the city than those in the

municipality (Tantano, 2012). Moreover, according to City Councilor Edna

Marban-Dahino, Cagayan de Oro City was ranked second in Northern Mindanao

and fourth in the Philippines in child trafficking instances. The city councilor was

inspired to draft the child protection ordinance as a result of this. City councilors

in Cagayan de Oro passed an ordinance on Monday, March 19, to localize the

Child Protection Law. Ordinance 2018-28, also known as the Child Protection

Ordinance, was enacted to safeguard children from exploitation, forced labor, or

child trafficking and assist police officers and other enforcers in apprehending

violators. For this study, the purpose of this study is to determine if it provides a

more robust deterrence and exceptional protection against child abuse,

exploitation, and discrimination based on the respondents' perspective or just a

mere design of our Constitution, which does not resolve the Nation's problem on

Child Abuse.
 Chapter 2

Theoretical Framework

The research problem anchors from the different theories and their

authors, which contributed great relevance to the study and formulated to help

understand and explain the factors phenomena of child abuse. These include the

Attachment theory, and Social Learning Theory and Intergenerational

transmission of violence.

The central aspect of attachment theory is that children develop a sense

of security when their primary caregivers are readily available and responsive to

their needs. Because the baby trusts the caretaker, it is easier for the child to

venture out into the world (Bowlby, 1973). 

The attachment was further defined and characterized by Ainsworth and

colleagues (1978) based on the work of Bowlby and colleagues (1973). Included

in this list are a variety of different kinds of attachments, 1) secure attachment, 2)

insecure-avoidant attachment, 3) insecure-ambivalent attachment, and 4)

disorganized-disoriented attachment (Ainsworth, 1978; Main & Solomon, 1986;

1990). First, In a secure relationship, the child's needs are met since the parent

or caregiver is on top of things. A secure child who has received regular,

sensitive, and attentive care can achieve a balance between self-exploration and

dependency in his or her environment. (Tarabulsy, 2008). Second, in

insecure-avoidant relationships, a child who does not have healthy relationships

with their parents or caregivers has trouble managing stress. Third, an

insecure-ambivalent: To preserve and draw the attention of the caretaker and

monitor skills, the child exhibits resistance and behavioral conflict with the parent

or extreme immaturity (Tarabulsy, 2008). The fourth attachment style,

disorganized-disoriented, includes youngsters who cannot seek comfort and

safety from a parent or other caregiver. An unorganized-disoriented child's parent

or caregiver reacts to newborn signals in a usual way, and when the child is

around, they behave horribly (Tarabulsy, 2008). Researchers have reported that

physically abused or neglected children are more likely to exhibit insecure

attachment than children who have not experienced physical abuse or neglect

(Carlson, Cicchetti, Barnett, & Braunwald, 1989; Egelande & Sroufe, 1981;

Lyons-Ruth, Connell, & Zoll, 1989; Main & Goldwyn, 1984; Schneider-Rosen,

Braunwald, Carlson, & Cicchetti, 1985). Several researchers have indicated that

disorganized attachment is most common among maltreated children (Barnett,

Ganiban, & Cicchetti, 1999; Carlson, 1989; Cicchetti, Rogosch, & Toth, 2006;

Lyons-Ruth, Connell, Grunebaum, & Botein, 1990; Zeanah & Smyke, 2005). 

According to social learning theory, children learn through modeling,

observation, and cognitive processes (Bandura,1977). According to the principle

of social learning, criminal behavior can be taught. (Akers, 1973). Examining

child abuse, particularly in social learning theory, says abusive behavior can be

taught (Daigle & Muftić, 2016).

  Moreover, it is essential to know that parents and caregivers who abuse

or neglect their children do so due to their own childhood experiences with abuse

and neglect (Daigle & Muftić, 2016). Indeed, it has to claim that parents are more

likely to abuse their children if they have previously harmed their children

(Widom,1989). 

Social learning theory says that violence perpetuates itself based on ideas

about the implications of abuse and neglect on various outcomes that intertwine

through generations or the transmission of violence (Widom, 1989). As a result,

mistreated or neglected children grow up believing that violence is normal and

acceptable behavior (Widom, 1989). 

Moreover, those who previously did involve in child maltreatment were

three times more likely to engage in the behavior again. (Milaniak & Widom,

2015). Simply because this does not imply that every abused or neglected child

will grow up to be violent and criminal (Widom, 1989). It is possible to lessen the

likelihood of criminal behavior and delinquency in children who have suffered

abuse or neglect by intervening and recognizing it (Widom & Maxfield, 2001). It

should also be mentioned that understanding the protective variables that

intervene in a child's development is crucial, as is comparing the development of

those who succumb to those who are 'resilient' (ONeal, 2019). Moreover, High

IQ, demographic traits (e.g., being White or older), or mentorship may help
protect children from the long-term impacts of abuse and prevent future violence

against them as adults. (Wright, Turanovic, Morse, & Booth, 2019).

More than one hypothesis may explain why children do abuse. We can

better comprehend child abuse and its effects by utilizing a variety of theoretical

frameworks. Attachment between parent or caregiver and the child has a vital

role in preventing from influence violence risk may be experienced by other

people wherein in fact these individuals are mostly defenseless and tolerant with

it. However, it could lessen if this "bond" maintained by the caregiver or parents

would serve as a safe base for the child to recognize, wherein trust in the parent

or caregiver makes it easier for secure children to seek assistance with learning

from parents. With these, the child grows uninterrupted into a happy and

confident, adapted adult with discernment to handle such influence of violence.

Suppose lack of "bond" (parent-child attachment) or destructive social dynamics

with the parent can cause children to show poor socio-emotional effects such as

poor social, coping, and problem-solving skills, tantrums, clinging, and violent

conduct. These harmful effects frequently last throughout a child's life, which is

now easily prone to the influence of violence. Second point, aside that child

abuse may experience from adult other people, but can be also transmitted from

their childhood experience or engage and growing up with it which creates an

implication of that it is normal and acceptable behavior, that is why by the time

they became a parent they will do the same if they had a child. Moreover, one
might be a factor that child abuse could not stop because, in the family itself,

there is already a lack of initiatives and protective factors to help parents or

caregivers who might contribute a greater risk of abusing or neglecting their

children due to some situations that they are busy in their work, the stress of

taking care of their children and the like. These protective factors of effective

parenting, even under stress or busy works, maybe learned to various

community-related parenting programs established by different government

agencies or even private sectors like Family and Community Welfare Program,

Responsible Parenthood and Family planning, and the like. It uses resources,

supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, which focuses

on family strengths, allows parents to build resilience, develop parental skills, and

gain knowledge of resources that might decrease exposure to child risk from any

abuse.
 Conceptual Framework

Several child protection laws are enacted in different years. Moreover,

National legislation is required to provide a solid foundation for child safety. The

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) recognized the Philippines'

generally advanced legal system for child protection in its closing conclusions to

the Philippine Government. 

The  (VAWC)Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of

2004 of RA 9262. This law seeks to address the prevalence of violence against

women and their children (VAWC) by their intimate partners like their husband or

former husband, live-in partner or ex-live-in partner, boyfriend/girlfriend or

former-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend, dating partner, or former dating partner (Philippine

Information Agency and the NCRFW, 2004). It defines and characterized this law

related to child abuse, as mentioned in Sec. 3. letter (a) conceptualize that, when

someone commits an act or series of acts against a woman who is his wife,

former wife, or a woman with whom he has or had a sexual relationship, or with

whom he has an ordinary child, or against her child. Whether legitimate or

illegitimate, in or out of the family home, it results in physical, sexual,

psychological harm or suffering, or economic abutment.

In relation, a study conducted which characterized that law, the data that

have does collect suggest that rates of violence against young adolescent

women range from 15 to 71 percent and that rates of violence against children
top 80 percent in the Philippines (Moreno, 2005; & Pinheiro, 2006). These data

demonstrate that violence poses a high burden on not only in the country but

contributes to global health and that violence against women and children is

ordinary and universal. Moreover, Violence against Children (VAC), a study

estimated at 62.8% lifetime prevalence of psychological violence primarily in the

home or community environments (65.2% among boys and 60.4% among girls)

(WHO, 2013). 

The Juvenile and Welfare Act of RA 9344. This law conducted a

comprehensive juvenile justice and welfare system and established the Juvenile

Justice and Welfare Council under the (DOJ) Department of Justice and of its

Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) (Columbini, 2016). 

A Case Study on its Implementation does conduct In line with Republic

Act No. 9344, which emphasizes analyze the extent of the implementation of the

law for children-in-conflict-with law (CICL) in an urban city in the Philippines,

wherein the typical CICL is uneducated, destitute, and has been neglected or

abused by their parents. They also live in an atmosphere that encourages

criminal behavior. These positions the young person at a disadvantage, making

their lack of decision-making skills and susceptibility to compulsion all the more

apparent. Giving the criminal justice system control over someone who has

already been traumatized significantly reduces their chances for a better future

and steers them down a terrible path (Templa, 2004). In addition, for these social
institutions (such as family, school, and residential communities), The

researchers hope to implement a program that includes an early detection

approach. Before the commencement of delinquent behavior, any program does

deem "early," as long as it takes place before birth or during early adolescence

(Saminsky, 2010). Since early infancy offers a small window of opportunity for

young children to be incredibly open to stimulating and encouraging

circumstances, it is a crucial period. (Welsh & Farrington., 2007). Nevertheless,

these programs have demonstrated tremendous outcomes by focusing on

particular risk factors contributing to delinquent conduct and holistic and general

parts of the child's life rather than on crime. (Saminsky, 2010).

Therefore, It is essential to give an enactment of actions what does

mandated on the law and taking advantage to be a proactive measure towards

child abuse because that problem will not stop or lessen if it is in a state of

"reactive" when there are no or low actions taken first and wait further the

commission of the crime prohibited under that such laws. Moreover, it states that

our laws specifically to ensure that children provide social protection increase the

likelihood of breaking the inter-generational transmission of violence or being

victimized from any child abuse. However, it was just low attention given or never

notice from the different government agencies given attention, but it is not

enough to respond to the issue on child abuse to solve or lessen it, instead of
relying on the report render by a victim or complainant, why not to make laws as

"proactive."

Title: Cagayan de Oro City Criminology Students Perspective On the Efficient

Monitoring and Reporting of Child Abuse & Exploitation and Discrimination Under

Republic Act No. 7610

Theoretical Framework

● Attachment Theory

● Social Learning Theory

● Intergenerational Transmission of Violence

Conceptual Framework

● Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 of RA 9262

● Juvenile and Welfare Act of RA 9344

 Statement of the Problem

This study aims to assess Cagayan de Oro City Criminology Students'

Perceptives On The Efficient Monitoring and Reporting of Child Abuse and

Exploitation and Discrimination Under Republic Act No. 7610

Specifically, the research work will seek to respond to the following

questions:

1. What are the account of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age

1.2 Civil Status

1.3 Gender

1.4 Educational Background

1.5 Family Economic Status

2. What is the significance of the respondents' assessment on Cagayan de Oro

City Criminology Students' Perceptives On The Efficient Monitoring and

Reporting of Child Abuse and Exploitation and Discrimination Under Republic Act

No. 7610 about the variables above?

3. How it affects efficient monitoring and reporting of child abuse and exploitation

and discrimination encountered in the as to:

3.1 Parental-Child Attachment

 3.2 Environmental Aspects

3.3 Social Aspects

4. What should be done by criminology students of Cagayan de Oro City to

address efficient monitoring and reporting of Child Abuse and Exploitation and

Discrimination of Republic Act No. 7610?

5. What should we do to improve the efficiency of monitoring and reporting child

Abuse and exploitation and discrimination of Republic Act No. 7610?

 Significance of the Problem

The study focused on knowing the perceptions of efficient monitoring and

reporting of child abuse, including exploitation and discrimination of Republic Act

No. 7610. Moreover, the results of the study will be beneficial to the following:

Instructors/Mentors. The research study will help the Instructors/Mentors

to think of ideas that will give proper guidance to the students induced to improve

efficient monitoring and reporting of any child maltreatment. These may also

increase their competency.

Parents. This research study will help the respondents' parents have

parental efficiency as to coping and adjusting to the adversities that may still

ensure the child's welfare.

Respondents. The respondents will be aware of the effectiveness of RA

7610 in monitoring and reporting any sort of child maltreatment.

Future Researchers. The result of this research study will serve as

reference material and a guide for future researchers who wish to conduct the

same research or any analysis related to efficient monitoring and reporting of

child abuse and exploitation and discrimination under Republic Act No. 7610
 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The research study focused on the perceptions on the efficient monitoring

and reporting of child abuse and exploitation and discrimination Under Republic

Act No. 7610 assessed by Cagayan de Oro City Criminology Students. The

respondents for this study were composed of criminology students in Cagayan

de Oro City. This study will apply only to the respondents of this study. It should

not do used as a measure of the efficiency monitoring and reporting of child

abuse, including exploitation and discrimination of RA 7610 who do not belong to

the population of this study.

Moreover, the researcher will work on this study to determine if there is

adequate monitoring and reporting of child abuse from the respondents'

perspective in random selection. In addition, the study will be done within

10months only.
 Definition of Terms

Attachment Theory - This theory emphasizes creating a bond of relationship to

the child's biological parent or not.

Child Abuse - an issue on some children experiencing physical, emotional, or

psychological abuse from adults at a younger age.

Discrimination - an act of someone using labeling of someone based on the

persons' appearance.

Disorganized-Disoriented - an attachment that emphasizes the child has

undirected movements and hesitation of oneself.

Exploitation is one of the sorts of child maltreatment that gives an excess of work

to a child in exchange for money.

Family Economic Status - this is a measurement to determine a specific family

capably financially.

Insecure-ambivalent Attachment emphasizes that a child feels much anxiety and

insecurity because of neglect or abandonment of the child's caregiver.

Insecure-avoidant Attachment - an attachment in which a child feels much fear

and avoidance because of early childhood trauma.

Proactive - this is a measure needed to avoid or prevent a rehappening of a

particular event.

Secure Attachment - An attachment shows a child's confidence to whom who

offers care, love, and protection.

Self-Exploration - this is a concept wherein a person tends to be curious about

the things surrounding them.

Social Aspects - This comprises the norms, language, rules, and the like that

may influence or experience a child from a particular person with the child.

Social Learning Theory - a theory that emphasizes that behavior does learn

through the person's environment wherein a child can learn on the medium used.

Transmission of Violence - a practice exercised and passed through from

generation to generation resulted when the child experiences abuse when

becoming a parent it will do the same.