KALIBO – Alarmed with the rising cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) in Aklan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan supported the 4th MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Children) Provincial Congress held at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Memorial Tourism and Training Center.

Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo cited that while the records of VAWC are lower in 2005 and 2006, she said it can be attributed to the lack of information among Aklanons on the need to urgently report these cases.

This is true particularly on the part of the victims who were avoiding embarrassment in reporting what happened to them or their family members, she added.

Quimpo noted that 46 VAWC cases were recorded in 2005 and only 62 cases were recorded in 2006.

However, she said that as the province campaign against VAWC progresses, the documented cases became disturbing, if not alarming, starting in 2007 until this year.

In 2007, 605 VAWC cases had been recorded in Aklan – of which, 483 against women and 122 against children. In 2008, 615 had been documented, 426 against women and 189 against children.

There were 841 cases in 2009, an average of 70 victims per month or two women or children abused everyday in Aklan. In 2010, 417 cases were reported or an average of 43 victims per month, or 1.5 women or children abused per day.

In 2011 and 2012, the figure declined with 411 and 278, respectively.

Quimpo said this could be attributed to various legislations such as the enactment of the Aklan Children’s Code and the Gender and Development Code of Aklan.*