EXPERIENCES OF WCPO OFFICERS IN INVESTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

CASES

INTRODUCTION

Regardless of color, gender, or ethnicity, domestic violence occurs in numerous

families, marriages, and domestic relationships worldwide. Domestic violence,

according to Shinger (2001), is "certain acts, threats to conduct acts, or activities likely

to result in physical abuse, physical assault, or use of physical force against another

person." Gender inequality, gender hierarchy, gender-based violence, and a patriarchal

system all contribute to domestic violence (Beninger, 2014). According to the bill, these

episodes have an impact on several forms of domestic violence, including financial,

emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual assault.

On the other hand, according to the United Nations, domestic violence is any act

that disturbs and abuses, causing victims to suffer physically, emotionally,

psychologically, and mentally. According to the Philippine Commission of Women, it is

associated with the uneven power relationships between men and women as a result of

society's incorrect perceptions about gender and sexuality (PCW).

On the basis of the preliminary results in the 2017 National Demographic and

Health Survey (NDHS), 26% of all victims between the ages of 15 and 49 had ever

been subjected to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by their spouse or partner. By

their present or most recent spouse, 20% of victims have ever encountered emotional

abuse, 14% have experienced physical abuse, and 5% have experienced sexual abuse.
Domestic violence is on the rise in the Philippines, reaching a peak in 2013. With these,

it is crucial that incidences of violence against women be researched and examined in

order to stop it from happening and raise national awareness through the media of

domestic violence, gender equality, and respect for women. (Shinger, 2001).

In another study conducted by Shoiou (2011) he claimed that any act committed

within the family by a family member or behavior that causes physical harm or

psychological harm to an intimate partner or another family member may be considered

domestic violence (a component of all violence against women). Comparative research

is challenging because domestic violence is defined and determined differently across

countries. Domestic violence and rape are recorded from a variety of nations, including

the United States of America, Chile, Peru, Egypt, Papua New Guinea, India (dowry

fatalities), China (female infanticide), and Bangladesh, and account for 5% of the world's

health burden for women in their reproductive years. Economic underdevelopment, a

lack of adequate legal protection, low levels of education, a patriarchal society, and the

poor social position of victims, particularly women, are some of the socioeconomic

causes of domestic violence in developing nations. Violence has serious psychosocial

repercussions in addition to physical risks. Victims are more prone to use alcohol and

marijuana to cope, to experience sadness, and to make suicide attempts. Domestic

violence weakens women's emotional fortitude and self-esteem while endangering their

autonomy and social stability. Frequently, the victims' reproductive health is negatively

impacted.

The goal of this study is to examine in depth the causes of domestic violence's

continued prevalence. The researchers gained knowledge about the context of many
domestic abuse stories they met and suggestions that may be made to advance efforts

to address this as a local and state-wide problem. This study also aims to provide an

overview of the Domestic Violence Act's legal contexts and how they might cover

victims as a kind of legal protection.

Domestic violence is an issue that has been receiving more and more attention in

recent years. However, there are still a number of research gaps that need to be

addressed in order to better understand and prevent domestic violence. This paper

discusses the key research questions that should be the focus of future research in this

area. There is a significant research gap on domestic violence. This lack of knowledge

can have serious consequences for both the victims and perpetrators of domestic

violence. The lack of research on domestic violence results in a lack of effective

prevention programs and methods to prevent future violence. There are many questions

that still need to be answered about domestic violence, including why it happens and

how to stop it. With all the studies conducted by different authors, there is still a need for

further researching and discovery. That is why the researchers conducted this case

study to determine the lived experiences of WCPO officers in investing domestic

violence cases.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The aim of this study is to explore and describe the experience of WCPO

officers in investing domestic violence cases. The study sought to answer the following

questions:

1. what are the experiences of the WCPO officer in investion domestic violence

cases;

2. What are the common issues or problems they have encountered;

3. What are the common causes of domestic violence they have responded; and

4. How do they respond to domestic violence cases?

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

The present study is anchored on theoretical framework which cover the

experience of WCPO officers in investing domestic violence cases.

The research is anchored on the Resource Theory of Kenny, Fotaki, & Scriver

(2019) that was believed that that the assumption of force or the threat of force

underlies all social relationships. According to this theory, the more resources a person

has, the greater the threat of force, but the less likely it is that force or violence will

actually be utilized in that relationship (Walters, Basile, & Hall, 2013). It just means that

no physical violence will be utilized; threats will still be used to retain control. Instead,

the violence a woman can encounter in this circumstance is emotional violence rather

than physical violence. However, when someone is short on resources, their only option
for maintaining control over the relationship is by force or violence (Walters, Basile, &

Hall, 2013).

As argued by Walby (2007) he claimed that the legal policies only handle the

physical violence that victims faced; they do not address the emotional trauma, thus

resource theory needs to be addressed to advance social change to abolish violence

against victims. Emotional abuse is still not seen as a crime or as being forbidden.

Additional social reform is required to combat both physical and mental abuse of

women. This violates a lot of cultural norms. One illustration is the protection provided

by the First Amendment against verbal and emotional assault.

Resource Theory must be taken into account in order to prevent physical

violence against victims in vulnerable populations—the underprivileged with fewer

resources—in addition to addressing emotional abuse. This group of people still

experiences gender-based violence despite the outlawing of violence directed at them.

For initiatives or legislation that specifically target prevention and aid for this population,

further social change is required. (Walker, 1998; Hornor, 2007)

In that sense, the respondents’ experiences investing domestic violence cases

will be based on Resource theory sees the importance of social justifications for

successful solutions of domestic violence. This will provide information on whether

WCPO officers are manageable and can provide lived solutions regarding the issue.

The researchers will also base their study on Social Exchange Theory of George

Hoomans (1958). According to the Social Exchange Theory, when engaging in social

interactions, people seek the most return with the least amount of work (Kreager,
Felson, Warner, & Wenger, 2013). Violence is utilized when taking control is worth the

effort and possible legal repercussions when it comes to violence against victims

(Resko, 2010). Despite the existence of laws prohibiting abuse, this does not always

stop abuse.

As argued by Vidales (2012) when victims report abuse, they are re-victimized

and accused of causing the situation themselves. In addition to further harming the

victim by holding them responsible for the violent actions of another person, this attempt

to legitimize gender-based violence also fosters more aggression from the perpetrator

because society is basically endorsing the violence. The effort of violence costs nothing

but provides the perpetrator dominance in the absence of cultural retaliation against the

act of violence.

Moreover, in order to address the additional social reforms required to eradicate

domestic violence, the Social Exchange theory must be taken into account. Effective

criminalization of the issue requires that the cost of the punishment be high enough to

deter future crimes. The expense of the penalty must be greater than the benefit of

restoring authority in the partnership. To challenge cultural norms of first-time offenders

and "real" victims, additional social change is required. This will call into question the

notion that first-time offenders should receive lighter penalties or that perpetrators

should receive lighter punishments as a result of this deeply ingrained societal ideal of

what a victim ought physically to resemble.

 CASE EVALUATION

"The study of a case (or cases) within a real-life, current context or environment"

is what a case study entails. This particular instance could involve a concrete entity like

a person, a small group, an organization, or a partnership (Creswell, 2018). The

researchers recruited WCPO officers to participate in this case study by conducting

interviews with them while they were being observed. Procedures for obtaining informed

consent were followed, assuring both the study's voluntary nature. The interview and

observation transcript were typed down, and then it was locked and secured.

THE EXPERIENCES OF THE WCPDO OFFICER IN INVESTIGATION DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE CASES

According to Ma’am Sumayod one of the officers in the SOGOD Southern Leyte

every time she will handle cases, she has encountered many victims but those

experiences are the victims who is only interested in filing cases at the first time.

Commonly, these are the victims whose emotions are at the peak of their hurt and rage.

Then, Sumayod as a police officer will take care of the papers or documents that are

necessary for an inquest or regular filling, but after a few days have passed even

weeks, the victim will suddenly return to the station and they will not let the case
continue. Sumayod claimed that there are very few victims who push the case through

RTC until the penalty is served.

Many victims of domestic violence reports and complains that they are being

abused, but then gradually halts the case. Then, after a month or two they will again

complain about it until the never-ending cycle continues. A case which Officer Sumayod

disagree with, because it is a hassle and burden to many officers of WPCD.

One of the possible reasons why women are still not complaining about the

violence that they are experiencing against their partners or husbands is that their

husbands are the ones who works and make a living for them. In this case even though

that these victims are being battered by their partners they still don't want their abusers

to be in jail because they won't have someone to support them in their daily needs.

They are afraid of not being able to survive a day without someone who will make

money for them. And unfortunately, the people who makes a living for them is the one

who domestically create violence.

COMMON ISSUES OR PROBLEMS THAT OFFICERS ENCOUNTERS

According to the statement of Officer Sumayod they are encouraging victims or

survivors of domestic violence to file a case against their physical abusers. But then

weeks or months will pass the complainant will not continue the case because they said

that they pity their abusers. One of the possible reasons is that if their abusers will be

imprisoned there will be no one to supply their daily needs and make a living for them.
So that's why these victims do not have an option or a choice but to endure the pain and

the violence that these abusers are giving to them.

COMMON CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THEY HAVE RESPONDED

There are numerous common causes of domestic violence that these officers

have responded. (1) First is drunkenness, (2) Second is jealousy and (3) lastly, Poverty.

According to their statement if their partners will see them puts a skincare, dress very

well, putting on perfume and always showing off in the public with a very decent and

beautiful appearance the tendency is that their partner will misinterpret these actions

and will lead to domestic violence.

Ma'am Sumayod claimed that we need to encourage women to love their self

because it is their rights. She also added that even though that these victims or these

women have children they also have the right to dress very well and make themselves

look appropriate so that their husband will not replace them. Due to poverty women tend

to find occupations or jobs that will be able to supply the daily needs of their family

especially their children. But sometimes this is one of the common reasons why their

husbands or their partners get intentionally abusive to them because of their jealousy.

Like for example a victim works as a therapist or massager in a salon or spa, but then

when their partner finds out that they are massaging or physically touching a client

specially a male, their husband will physically abuse them because of the jealousy they

feel.
WCPO OFFICER RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If a victim complains or reports to them through cellphone or hotline, they will

immediately respond to it. But there are times that they are not able to respond quickly

due to the lack of transportation and sometimes their roaming patrols are under

maintenance. On the other hand, they will take immediate actions to these victims to

avoid over the belt physical abuse, traumas and possible threats that may happen to the

victim. Ma'am Sumayod also stated that there are walk-in clients who physically

complaints on their desks and then the officers will immediately respond and take

action.

CONCLUSION

Being accused of being "naggers" or neglectful of their responsibilities as wives,

which leads to beatings by their husbands, or being raped because of her "flirtatious"

ways are some realities that make Filipino women vulnerable in the Philippines. In some

cases, filing for sexual harassment is interpreted by her employer as being malicious on

the appreciation of her good looks. The fact that many cases of violence against women

frequently go unreported due to the "culture of silence" among victims, many of whom

are ashamed to discuss their experiences, and others who tend to dismiss their ordeal
due to their lack of faith in the nation's justice system brought on by frustration over the

lack of results in filing complaints, make the lack of concrete data to demonstrate the

extent in the country an even bigger problem.

Domestic violence in the Philippines is a problem that often goes unreported and

unaddressed. According to the Philippine National Statistical Coordination Board

(NSCB), one in three women and one in five men have experienced physical or sexual

violence at some point in their lives. This statistic is indicative of the fact that domestic

violence is still a significant problem in the country today.

Domestic violence is a problem that affects millions of people around the world.

In the Philippines, it is a problem that disproportionately affects women and children.

Women who are subject to domestic violence often suffer physical and psychological

harm and have difficulty escaping their abusers. And the children are often exposed to

violence and neglect as well. Fortunately, there are organizations in the Philippines

that are working to raise awareness of domestic violence and help the victims of it get

the support they need.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS/ RECOMMENDATIONS

The problem of domestic violence in the Philippines is a growing one. According

to the National Statistical Coordination Board, one in four women and one in seven men

experience physical or sexual violence.

There are a number of possible solutions for domestic violence in the Philippines.

Some of these solutions include, but are not limited to:

1) education in schools on sexual and domestic violence;

 2) awareness programs on abuse;

3) the government implementing stricter policies to prevent abuse;

4) providing victims and survivors of domestic violence with access to free legal

aid to help them obtain divorces and restraining orders.

5) Shelters to provide a safe place to go to; and

6) Legalizing divorce in the country.

Many countries have similar rates of domestic abuse as the Philippines, but

studies have shown that these countries have come up with better solutions to this

social problem.

Moreover, Republic Act No. 9262, often known as the Anti-Abuse Against

Women and Their Children Act of 2004 ("VAWC Act") and its Implementing Rules and

Regulations, is the main law in the Philippines addressing domestic violence (IRR). In

accordance with the fundamental liberties guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, the

provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on

the Rights of the Child, and other international human rights instruments to which the

Philippines is a party, the VAWC Act was passed to address violence against women

and their children.

Given the proportion of married women who engage in domestic violence with

this method, the incidence of violence would undoubtedly decline. Divorce would mark a

fresh start for the pair as a whole. On the other hand, though, this could also have an

effect on it from a psychological and who to side perspective on children. It is in the best

interests of unhappy married couples, their kids, and especially those who are being
abused in relationships to legalize and implement divorce throughout the nation. Many

battered spouses and children who desire to get free from their abusive parent could be

saved by this.

The persistence of the rising cases has a significant influence on everyone's

health and general well-being. Human rights are being gravely violated by this issue.

We should utilize the civil court to our advantage and fight for every woman out there

who is being insulted and beaten up by their partners, who should be loving and

protecting them in the first place, if such cases cannot be handled by straightforward

programs and campaigns to educate the public. Every person is deserving of respect

and compassion. Every person is deserving of a fresh start.

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