DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SITUATION IN CAVITE

I. Introduction
Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence or intimate partner violence, refers to
a repeated pattern of behavior within a relationship aimed at gaining or maintaining power
and control over an intimate partner. It encompasses physical, sexual, emotional, economic,
or psychological actions, as well as threats, that exert influence over another person. These
behaviors encompass actions that induce fear, intimidation, manipulation, harm, humiliation,
blame, injury, or emotional distress.
Domestic abuse is not limited by factors such as race, age, sexual orientation, religion,
or gender, and it can occur in various types of relationships, including marriage,
cohabitation, or dating. This pervasive issue affects individuals across diverse
socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. It is essential to recognize that anyone,
regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, or class, can become a victim of
domestic violence.
Furthermore, victims may include not only intimate partners but also children, other relatives,
or household members.
The progression of domestic abuse often starts with threats and verbal attacks,
eventually escalating to physical violence. While the immediate danger may be evident in
physical injuries, it's crucial to acknowledge the severe emotional and psychological impact
of domestic abuse. Relationships marked by emotional abuse can erode self-worth,
contribute to anxiety and depression, and create a sense of helplessness and isolation.
Enduring such pain is not acceptable, and the initial step towards liberation is acknowledging
the abusive nature of the relationship.
II. Body
Causes of domestic violence
A. Cultural factors
Throughout history, numerous patriarchal societies have sanctioned the physical
punishment of women and children, considering them as possessions of men. Moreover, a
woman's perceived actions that may bring dishonor to the family, particularly in matters
related to her sexuality, are often met with judgment and abuse
B. Legal factors
Domestic abuse is frequently treated by law enforcement as a private family matter,
leading to hesitancy in intervention. Acts of domestic abuse are often handled with greater
leniency compared to crimes committed by strangers. Notably, in many cultures, sexual
abuse by intimate partners is not acknowledged as a criminal offense.
C. Economic factors
Domestic abuse is often linked to a lack of economic resources.

D. Environmental factors
Individuals who have been exposed to abusive environments during their upbringing,
witnessing or experiencing abuse as children, may be more prone to engaging in domestic
abuse as adults. This phenomenon is known as the intergenerational cycle of abuse.
E. Social factors
 Society tends to assign blame to victims of abuse, making it challenging for them to
come forward and report their abusers. Victims are frequently subjected to scrutiny, with any
perceived imperfections used against them.
F. Substance use
The excessive consumption of substances like alcohol and drugs can contribute to
instances of domestic abuse.

Effects of domestic abuse on the victim

Survivors of domestic violence may encounter lasting and formidable repercussions
following experiences of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Adjusting to a secure
environment can be a gradual process for survivors, particularly when the perpetrator's
violence was severe or occurred persistently over an extended duration.
a. On women
The impact of domestic violence on women extends beyond the immediate physical
harm inflicted by their abusers. Often, survivors of domestic violence grapple with a range of
psychosomatic ailments, eating disorders, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, persistent
chronic pain, and severe mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD).
The consequences of domestic violence can impede women's daily functioning significantly.
Frequent absences from work due to injuries or medical appointments can lead to job loss,
further limiting their ability to escape abusive situations. Many abused women experience
shame, viewing themselves as unworthy of love, resulting in a diminished self-perception.
Due to these feelings of low self-worth, these individuals often become isolated from friends
and family, abstaining from social activities common to others in their demographic.
b. On children
When people encounter the term 'domestic violence and children,' their immediate
mental images often revolve around physically harmed and injured children. Undoubtedly,
these visible injuries depict the immediate effects of domestic abuse. However, children who
merely witness domestic violence undergo consequences that are equally far-reaching and
devastating as those experienced by physically abused children. Research indicates that
children exposed to domestic violence, where they witness the mistreatment of their mothers
by their fathers, endure mental health issues of comparable intensity and scope to those
seen in physically battered children. Similarly, studies reveal that children who both witness
paternal abuse and experience physical harm themselves face the most profound behavioral
and emotional distress.
Growing up in violent households may lead children to display a range of detrimental
behaviors and emotions, including responding with violence to threats, contemplating
suicide, engaging in substance abuse, developing eating disorders, engaging in self-harm
(such as cutting), experiencing anxiety and depression, exhibiting poor social skills, and
potentially entering into abusive relationships later in life.

CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE PHLIPPINES

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) issued a condemnation on Monday,
addressing incidents of sexual abuse and violence against children, emphasizing the need
for a collective societal effort to prevent such acts.
The CHR expressed strong disapproval for all forms of gender-based violence, particularly
when it victimizes vulnerable children, with perpetrators often being family members or
acquaintances who exploit the trust of the victims.
The commission highlighted these actions as clear violations of Republic Act No. 7610, also
known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination
Act, as well as various international human rights instruments, notably the Convention on the
Rights of the Child.
On Thursday in Trece Martires, Cavite, a seven-year-old girl, suspected to be a victim of
rape, was tragically killed. The lifeless body of the victim, bearing signs of wounds and
bruises, was discovered along a riverbank at approximately 5 p.m. on the same day, as
reported by the city's police chief, Lt. Col. Jonathan Asnan.
The alleged perpetrator, identified as the godfather of the victim, was apprehended at a
construction site in Dasmariñas City on Friday.
On Thursday, the National Bureau of Investigation Special Action Unit visited the home
of vlogger Tim Sawyer, who is subject to an active arrest warrant for charges related to
domestic violence. The family court in Trece Martires, Cavite, issued the warrant following a
complaint filed by model-actress China Roces, Sawyer's former partner.
Sawyer faces charges under Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against
Women and Their Children Act. The former couple gained popularity for their video blogs
shared on social media.
On May 20, 2005, Rossana Honrado-Tua (respondent) submitted a Verified Petition to
the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Imus, Cavite. The petition, filed on behalf of herself and
her minor children (Joshua Raphael, Jesse Ruth Lois, and Jezreel Abigail), sought the
issuance of a protection order under Republic Act (RA) 9262, also known as the Anti-
Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004. The case, identified as Civil Case
No. 0464-05, was assigned to Branch 22. In her petition, respondent alleged experiencing
abusive behavior from her husband, petitioner Ralph Tua. She claimed that he had made
threats of physical harm to control her actions, deprived her of custody and access to their
children, and threatened to withhold financial support from her and the children.
After evading arrest for seven months, authorities in Zamboanga del Norte apprehended
a man named Ben Jolian who had disfigured his wife's face. The incident occurred during
the COVID-19 lockdown when Jolian allegedly forced his wife into a sexual encounter.
Investigations revealed that the suspect was already facing another murder case and had an
existing arrest warrant. Upon locating Jolian, the police promptly arrested him.
In a June episode of the program "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," the victim, Celia Elian,
recounted her experience of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. Elian shared
that she and Ben had a dispute, and he became physically abusive when she refused sexual
advances. Despite her decision to leave, her husband's anger escalated, resulting in a
severe beating. Apart from facial injuries, Elian sustained deep wounds on her head, arm,
and shoulder, miraculously surviving the harrowing incident.

III. Conclusion
In conclusion, the case study on domestic violence in Cavite illuminates the pervasive
and deeply rooted issues surrounding this alarming phenomenon. The findings underscore
the fact that domestic violence extends beyond physical harm, impacting victims' mental and
emotional well-being profoundly. The intergenerational cycle of abuse is evident, as children
who witness domestic violence often experience severe psychological consequences,
setting the stage for potential perpetuation of such behavior in adulthood.
 The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive interventions in Cavite,
addressing not only the immediate physical safety of victims but also the long-term
psychological effects and socio-economic repercussions. A multi-faceted approach involving
law enforcement, healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations is
essential to break the cycle of abuse and provide holistic support for survivors.
Furthermore, the case study underscores the importance of community awareness and
education to challenge societal norms contributing to the perpetuation of domestic violence.
Collaborative efforts must be intensified to create a supportive environment where survivors
feel empowered to seek help, and where preventative measures can be implemented to
address the root causes of domestic violence in Cavite. Ultimately, addressing this issue
requires a united front, commitment, and sustained efforts from all stakeholders to create a
safer and more resilient community.

IV. RECOMMENDATION/ACTION PLAN

Enhanced Law Enforcement:
Strengthen law enforcement responses to domestic violence, ensuring prompt and
effective interventions. Implement specialized training for law enforcement officers to handle
domestic violence cases sensitively.
Comprehensive Support Services:
Establish accessible and well-equipped shelters for victims of domestic violence,
providing a safe haven for those seeking refuge. Develop and promote helplines and support
services to provide immediate assistance and counseling to victims.
Community Awareness and Education:
Launch community-wide awareness campaigns to challenge societal norms
contributing to domestic violence. Conduct educational programs in schools, workplaces,
and community centers to promote healthy relationships and conflict resolution.
Legal Reforms:
Advocate for legal reforms that prioritize the protection of domestic violence survivors
and hold perpetrators accountable. Ensure the implementation and enforcement of existing
laws related to domestic violence.
Intergenerational Intervention:
Develop programs focused on breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse,
providing counseling and support for children exposed to domestic violence. Collaborate with
schools to identify and support at-risk children through early intervention strategies.
Collaboration among Stakeholders:
Foster collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations,
healthcare professionals, and community leaders. Establish coordination mechanisms to
streamline efforts in providing comprehensive support to victims.
Economic Empowerment:
Implement economic empowerment programs for survivors, including skills training
and employment opportunities, to enable financial independence. Collaborate with
businesses to create a supportive environment for survivors seeking employment.
Research and Data Collection:
Conduct ongoing research to assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify
emerging trends in domestic violence. Establish a centralized database for tracking domestic
violence cases, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Crisis Intervention Teams:
Form crisis intervention teams comprising law enforcement, social workers, and
mental health professionals to respond promptly to domestic violence incidents. Provide
specialized training for healthcare professionals to recognize and address the mental health
needs of domestic violence survivors.
Counseling and Rehabilitation Programs:
Expand access to counseling services and rehabilitation programs for both victims
and perpetrators of domestic violence. Promote community-based initiatives that focus on
healing and reintegration for survivors.
Implementing these recommendations requires sustained commitment and
collaboration among various stakeholders to create a safer and more supportive
environment for domestic violence survivors in Cavite.
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 Montemayor (2023). CHR warns against abuses vs. children committed by family
members. Philippine news agency
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199577
 Baua (2021). Arrest warrant out for vlogger Tim Sawyer for domestic violence. Abs-
Cbn News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/27/21/arrest-warrant-out-for-vlogger-tim-sawyer-
for-domestic-violence
 Rediaz (2014). G.R. NO. 170701, JANUARY 22, 2014 - RALPH P. TUA,
PETITIONER, V. HON. CESAR A. MANGROBANG, PRESIDING JUDGE, BRANCH
22, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, IMUS, CAVITE; AND ROSSANA HONRADO-TUA,
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