essay about domestic violence in the philippines

• Toggle Accessibility Statement
• Skip to Main Content

Republic of the Philippines Philippine Commission on Women

Violence Against Women

Violence against women (VAW) appears as one of the country’s pervasive social problems. According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15-49 have experienced any form of physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their intimate partners. As of 2021, there were 8,399 reported cases of physical violence, 1,791 on rape, and 1,505 on acts of lasciviousness. It is alarming that despite addressing the concern, VAW persists.

VAW is deemed to be closely linked with the unequal power relation between women and men, otherwise known as “gender-based violence.” Societal norms and traditions dictate people think that men are the leaders, pursuers, and providers and take on the dominant roles in society. At the same time, women are the nurturers, men’s companions, and supporters, and they take on subordinate roles in society. This perception leads men to gain more power over women. Hence, VAW becomes a form of men’s expression of control over women to retain power.

As defined by the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993 ), VAW is “any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public and private life. Gender-based violence is any violence inflicted on women because of their sex.”

According to Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 , VAW is “any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, with or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”

VAW includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:

• Physical violence or the act that includes bodily harm
• Sexual violence or the act that is sexual in nature, committed against a woman or her child
• Psychological violence or the act or omission that causes or is likely to cause mental or emotional suffering of the victim
• Economic abuse or the act that makes or attempts to make a woman financially dependent

In the Philippines, some realities that contribute to the vulnerability of Filipino women to VAW are being accused as “naggers” or neglectful of their duties as a wife that is why they are being beaten by their spouses or being raped due to their “flirtatious” ways; in some instances, filing for sexual harassment is interpreted by her employer as being malicious on the appreciation of her good looks.

Moreover, an even more significant problem is the lack of concrete information to show the extent of VAW in the country, as many cases of violence against women often go unreported due to women victims’ “culture of silence.” Many of the victims are ashamed to relate their experiences. In contrast, others tend to dismiss their ordeal due to their lack of faith in the country’s justice system caused by frustrations over the lack of results in filing complaints.

Several government mechanisms have already been put in place to address VAW. Non-government organizations also take part in this crusade. It is uncertain when this trend will diminish in the Philippine setting, but as long as current efforts to fight VAW are sustained, hope could be set high.

Impacts of VAW

VAW strikes the personhood of women

It does not only affect women’s physical and reproductive health but especially their mental and emotional state. It has caused women to feel ashamed and lose their self-esteem. It threatens women’s personal security.

VAW limits human development

It jeopardizes women’s health and curbs their capacity to participate in social development. Working women’s productivity decreases due to frequent absences resulting from VAW. VAW is responsible for one out of every five healthy days of life lost to women of reproductive age.

VAW further drains the country’s financial resources

The Philippines spent an estimated P6 billion pesos in 2002 to treat VAW survivors. This amount covered the medical treatment of VAW injuries, psychological therapies and programs for survivors, maintenance of shelters, cost of legal and court proceedings to prosecute perpetrators, training costs of service providers, and other indirect social costs to family members of VAW survivors and perpetrators.

VAW is an issue of governance

A state promotes good governance when it makes effective remedies available to eliminate VAW in the homes, communities, and the state.

Mechanisms to Address VAW

• Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children
• Inter-Agency Council Against-Trafficking
• Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAW
• Barangay VAW Desk

VAW Hotlines

• VAW Hotlines during Community Quarantine
• VAW Service Providers in Region 7
• Hotlines for Overseas Filipino Workers
• VAW Helplines (Per Region)
• Our Website Privacy Policy
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Cookie Policy

Your privacy is important to us!

We are committed to protect and secure personal information and uphold the rights of our data subjects (i.e. employees, partners, and other stakeholders) in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), and its Implementing Rules and Regulation.

We observe utmost compliance to the strictest standards of security and confidentiality with respect to all personal information and data submitted by our data subjects.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Cookies are the small data files that we write into your device when you visit our website. We use cookies so you may access our website with full functionality and excellent user experience. You may opt not to receive cookies by not accepting them or disabling them in your web browser configuration. Keep in mind however that by doing such, you may not be able to use our website’s full features.

Our website may contain links to third party websites that may also use cookies. Should you use those links and leave our website, please note that we have no control over such third-party sites and your use of their site shall be governed by their data privacy policy.

• Subscribe To Our Listserv
• News and Events

Domestic and Sexual Violence in Filipino Communities, 2018

• Census data on demographics and English proficiency
• Statistics on domestic violence and other forms of abuse
• Resources such as links to translated materials and national/international service directories
• Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence , in English and Tagalog

Related Resources

• API-GBV Applauds the Revisions to Collecting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity

April 1, 2024 Oakland, CA-- The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) applauds the Biden Administration's announcement of revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15): Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data...

• Building AAPI Collective Power to End GBV

March 7, 8am HST/11am PST/1pm CST/2pm ESTAsians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are often left out of conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the U.S. Often lumped together as a “model minority,” certain AAPI groups...

• 2024 APi-GBV National Summit: Growing From Our Roots

Latest Update: Early Bird Registration Open Now Through June 1!See all available API-GBV National Summit information below:This page will continue to be updated as more information is released. For any technical issues or additional questions, please contact our team...

• Connected and concerned: Online sexual harassment of teenagers of Asian descent on dating platforms

February 29, 8am HST/11am PST/1pm CST/2pm ESTGenerative AI, with its ability to create morphed photos and deepfakes, is negatively impacting teenagers, especially female teenagers of Asian descent, online and influencing their identity in digital spaces. This...

Impact Report FY22: Growing Stronger Together to Build Collective Power

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) is a culturally specific national resource center on domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)...

Culture, Trauma, and Healing: A Conversation with Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

November 7, 9am HST/12pm PST/2pm CST/3pm ESTIn our work, we recognize that cultural-responsiveness and trauma-informedness are not end goals, but a continuous process of learning and adapting our advocacy to best meet the layered and changing needs of survivors. We...

Queer and Trans Asians and Pacific Islanders: Strengths, Resources, and Barriers for Preventing Domestic Violence-Related Homicides

This report presents a groundbreaking qualitative research project focusing on the prevention of domestic violence-related homicides among queer and trans Asians and Pacific Islanders (QTAPI). It uncovers the complex web of risk factors, including isolation and...

AAPI LGBTQ+ Experiences of GBV

This factsheet summarizes the layered needs and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) survivors and communities in the U.S., based on the current literature available. Although...

Other Ethnic-Specific Factsheets

• Pacific Islander
• South Asian

Share this:

Search resource library, resource categories, resource tags, resource types, recent resources.

• Critical Intersections of FGM/C: The Value of Intersectionality in Cross-Collaboration

Content Search

Philippines

Violence against women and girls: A pandemic we must end now

• UN RC Philippines

By Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines

As we near the end of the year, the Philippines, as many other countries in the world, has been in quarantine for more than nine months to stave off a global pandemic that has stolen lives, mobility, precious time for education and economic security from millions of people. The end is not yet in sight.

In a July 23, 2020 Op-Ed that I wrote , I said that “one of the most insidious consequences of the pandemic is the rise of gender-based violence (GBV). Children and adolescents, particularly girls, are confronted with violence and abuse, as a result of prolonged lockdowns.” We recently marked the intensive 18 Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women , a global call to action, and a powerful reminder that our work to end GBV is unfinished.

For survivors of gender-based violence locked down in their homes with an abuser, the COVID-19 pandemic is only one of the compounding crises that threaten their physical and mental. Even before this global health crisis, violence against women (VAW) was plaguing 1 out of every 4 Filipinas who is married or has been married at least once in their lives. [1] We know the incidence and numbers escalate during disasters but one can only estimate what impact this might have on the whole country. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated that there had been a 20 percent increase in domestic violence globally. A study commissioned by UNFPA approximates that intimate partner violence will increase by 16 percent in the country. By the end of the year, there will be an estimated 839,000 women who are married or who has been married at least once in their lives who would experience GBV during this pandemic. [2]

It is our moral responsibility to elevate the plight and needs of GBV survivors even as we talk about the perils and risks of COVID19. We have growing evidence however that we may be failing individuals most at risk of GBV during this pandemic. UNFPA’s State of World Population Report revealed that across the globe, from 2020 to 2030, there could be an additional 13 million girls under 18 who would marry, resulting from the disruption of programs and services, and economic challenges brought by COVID-19. When parents from low-income families are unable to find jobs, the deepening poverty bought by the pandemic can push families to consider marrying off their daughters in the hopes of a better life for their children.

We also know that perpetrators and human traffickers are taking advantage of the economic hardships of families. In the Philippines, where 73 million Filipinos, or some 67 percent of the population, use social media [3] , the internet is a platform for cybercriminals preying on women and young people. In particular, social media provides much room for abusers to engage in sexual exploitation of women and young people behind closed doors and in front of a webcam. Gender-based online sexual harassment continues to rise especially targeting young women and girls. Widespread are rape jokes, rape threats, and other sexist remarks that negatively impact women and girls. It is important to note that gender-based online sexual harassment* is punishable by law, under RA 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act.

We cannot sacrifice or endanger vulnerable survivors by rendering them invisible, minimizing, or denying their pleas for help and assistance. The Commission on Human Rights has received reports that requests for rescue and assistance from GBV survivors were allegedly dismissed by local duty-bearers. This despite a series of policy issuances requiring and mandating the continuity of GBV services – medical management of rape, mental health and psycho-social services, legal services, safety planning and case management, safety or security services, and/ or residential shelter.

UN Mandate and Call to Action

The Philippine government, the United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations have forged strong partnerships in combatting VAW with renewed vigor - harnessing our collective tools, intelligence, and resources to adapt, innovate and continue to ensure that GBV services will be available to survivors when they need it.

For example, UNFPA, with its implementing partner Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), designed six Gender-Based Violence (GBV) digital training modules as part of capacity-building projects in BARMM. Such modules have been presented and used with local partners in Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur, and have received incredible reception. As an expansion of this project, the modules are now part of the certification courses on Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s iADAPT e-learning platform. This move will strengthen and expand the GBV response capacity in humanitarian settings.

Similarly, in partnership with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development , UNFPA held an online concert to call on the public’s support to ask our duty bearers for the continuity of life saving care and support to GBV survivors amid emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

In other initiatives, the Philippine Commission on Women, DSWD, CHR, UNFPA, Oxfam, and PLAN International organized a Data Roundtable that will map out how VAW data is collected across multiple agencies and consolidated to generate an analysis of how survivors utilize VAW services and where the possible gaps in the delivery system are. Better data gathered can lead to better programming and service provision. GBV and COVID19 heatmaps can identify where GBV and COVID19 cases are converging to direct and maximize human and financial resources to where the highest incidence of reports might be. Or also an indication where GBV reporting is limited and outreach and awareness-raising might be more helpful.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region, there is continuous, productive, and assured coordination and collaboration among multi-sectoral agencies and organizations to strengthen their GBV response and prevention education systems. Co-led by UNICEF and UNFPA, more than 30 organizations work closely with the Ministry of Social Service and Development (MSSD) to respond rapidly to emerging and dynamic cases of GBV such as internally displaced women fleeing armed clan feuds or returning migrants from Sabah. Whoever is in need, their coordination table works to ensure that their traumatic experiences are met with psycho-social support, life-saving goods, and essential services.

This year we also commemorate the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. The provisions of the resolution are classified into “three Ps”: protection of the human rights of women and girls during times of conflict, the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and the equal participation of women in peacebuilding and reconstruction. In BARMM, UN agencies provide technical assistance and support in pushing women’s meaningful participation in and contributions to the process and substance of peace and security decision-making will improve the chances of attaining viable and sustainable peace.

This increased GBV incidence and need for stronger attention on GBV cases coincide in a year where the United Nations system celebrates two significant milestones: the 25th anniversary of the Beijing 4th World Conference on Women’s Rights and the 75th anniversary of the UN. These celebrations can be important reminders to the international community, rights holders, and duty-bearers that our work remains unfinished AND that we have the tools that we need to do better - to assure that GBV services continue no matter the disaster, that vulnerable women and girls will receive life-saving information and protection commodities as they need it.

The United Nations is doubling down and renewing our commitment to Ending GBV, targeting Zero Harmful Practices to Women and Girls by 2030. We will not waver in this commitment and continue to ensure that vigorous prevention and response systems are a hallmark of the COVID19 response in this country and beyond. [Ends]

[1] Philippine Statistics Authority & The DHS Program (2018).Philippine National Demographic and

Health Survey 2017 Key Indicators Report. Quezon City, Philippines & ICF Rockville, Maryland, USA

[2] UP Population Institute (2020). Estimating the potential impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on key sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes in the Philippines: Technical Report.

[3] As of January 2020, datareportal.com

Related Content

Dswd dromic report #1 on the armed conflict in leon, iloilo as of 03 may 2024, 6am, philippines: mindanao displacement bulletin, issue no. 04, as of april 2024.

Philippines + 4 more

Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (23 - 29 April 2024)

Dswd dromic report #4 on the armed conflict within the boundaries of pilar, abra and santa maria, ilocos sur as of 29 april 2024, 6am.

• Society ›

Crime & Law Enforcement

Domestic violence in the Philippines - statistics & facts

The state of domestic abuse, empowering women from abuse, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Number of cases of violence against women and children Philippines 2016-2022

Share of women and girls victims of physical abuse Philippines 2017-2022

Share of women and girls victims of sexual violence Philippines 2017-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Government Finances

Approved budget for Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) FY 2015-FY 2024

Violent Crime

Number of rape cases Philippines 2020-2022

Related topics

Recommended.

• Demographics of the Philippines
• Crime in the Philippines
• Mental health in the Philippines

Other interesting statistics

Number of violence against women cases in Malaysia 2017-2022

Total number of reported cases of violence against women in Malaysia from 2017 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of reported cases of violence against women and children in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Northern Ireland: women on online violence legislation and criminality 2023

Women in Northern Ireland on the legislation and criminality of online violence against women and girls as of February 2023

Women accessing ER because of violence cases in Italy 2021, by access outcome

Outcome of emergency room access by victims of violence against women in Italy in 2021

Share of women who have experienced domestic violence APAC 2019, by country

Share of women who have ever experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner in the Asia-Pacific region as of 2019, by country

Perceptions of increasing violence against women in North Africa 2022, by country

Share of people saying violence against women has increased in the past year in North Africa between 2021 and 2022, by gender and country

Physical or sexual violence against women in Africa 2018

Percentage of women in relationships subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by a current or former partner in the previous 12 months in Africa as of 2018

Prevalence of violence against women in Morocco 2019, by age

Prevalence of violence committed against women in Morocco as of 2019, by age

Number of protection orders issued against spousal violence Japan 2013-2022

Number of cases of protection orders issued against spousal violence in Japan from 2013 to 2022

ER admissions by women with diagnosis of violence in Italy, 2017-2022

Number of emergency room admissions for women with diagnosis of violence in Italy from 2017 to 2022

Scotland: women experiencing online violence 2023

Women in Scotland on experiencing online violence as of February 2023

Share of women who experienced physical violence Philippines 2022, by region

Share of women who experienced physical violence in the Philippines in 2022, by region

Share of women who experienced physical violence Philippines 2022, by age group

Share of women who experienced physical violence in the Philippines in 2022, by age group

Share of women who experienced physical violence Philippines 2022, by education level

Share of women who experienced physical violence in the Philippines in 2022, by education level

Share of women who experienced physical violence Philippines 2022, by perpetrator

Share of women who experienced physical violence in the Philippines in 2022, by perpetrator

Share of women who experienced physical violence Philippines 2022, by marital status

Share of women who experienced physical violence in the Philippines in 2022, by marital status

Share of women victims of political harassment or violence in Bolivia 2022

Share of elected women who report having been victims of political harassment or violence in Bolivia in 2022

Number of deaths as a result of domestic violence in France 2021, by age and gender

Total number of domestic violence-related homicides in France in 2021, by age group and gender

Share of women and girls who were victims of sexual violence in the Philippines in 2017 and 2022

Share of women and girls victims of psychological violence Philippines 2017-2022

Share of women and girls who were victims of psychological violence in the Philippines in 2017 and 2022

Physical domestic violence cases against offspring in Belgium 2008-2022

Registered cases of physical domestic violence against offspring in Belgium from 2008 to 2022

UK women witnessing online violence 2023, by country

Women in the United Kingdom (UK) on witnessing online violence as of February 2023, by country

Number of women abuse victim-survivors assisted by DWSD Philippines 2018-2022

Number of women survivors of physical, sexual, and psychological violence assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines in 2018 and 2022

Number of murder suspects in gender violence against women by age group Spain 2022

Total number of murder suspects in gender violence against women in Spain in 2022, by age group

Share of women who sought help after abuse Philippines 2022

Share of women who sought help after experiencing violence in the Philippines in 2022

Share of women who sought help after abuse Philippines 2022, by source

Share of women who sought help after experiencing both physical and sexual violence in the Philippines in 2022, by source

Forms of physical and/or sexual violence against women in France 2012-2020

Distribution of sexual and/or physical violence against women by their spouse or former spouse in France from 2012 to 2020, by type of violence

Share of women and girls who were victims of physical violence in the Philippines in 2017 and 2022

Total of addressed concerns involving women's rights violations Indonesia 2016-2021

Number of complaints handled pertaining to women's rights violations and violence against women in Indonesia from 2016 to 2021

Women victims of physical violence and/or domestic violence in France 2014-2020

Average number of women experiencing sexual and/or physical violence by their spouse or former spouse each year in France from 2014 to 2020, by type of aggression (in 1,000s)

Proportion of women among domestic violence victims in France 2021

Share of women among victims of spousal violence in France in 2021, by type of violence

Number of domestic crime cases in Iceland 2015-2023

Number of domestic conflicts and violence in Iceland from 2015 to 2023

Victims of gender abuse under protection in Spain 2022, by relationship

Number of women under gender violence protection schemes or precautionary measures in Spain in 2022, by relationship of respondent with the victim

Prevalence of violence from partners among women in Indonesia 2021 by type

Types of violence experienced by women who ever had a husband or intimate partner in Indonesia in 2021

Reported rate of crime against women in India 2022, by state

Rate of crime against women reported across India in 2022, by state

Crime rate against women India 2015-2021

Rate of crimes against women in India from 2015 to 2021 (per 100,000 females)

Share of crime against women to overall crime in India 2015-2021

Share of crime against women to overall crime in India from 2015 to 2021

Number of victims of domestic violence in Finland 2012-2022, by gender

Number of victims of domestic violence in Finland from 2012 to 2022, by gender

Number of victims of domestic violence in Finland 2012-2022

Number of victims of domestic violence in Finland from 2012 to 2022

Number of spousal violence counseling cases Japan FY 2013-2022

Number of consultations at the Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Centers in Japan from fiscal year 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of domestic violence recorded incidences in Portugal 2013-2022

Number of recorded incidences of domestic violence in Portugal from 2013 to 2022

Domestic violence recorded incidences in Portugal 2022, by degree of kinship

Share of recorded incidences of domestic violence in Portugal in 2022, by degree of kinship between victim and accused

England and Scotland: making online violence a crime 2023, by gender

Adults in England and Scotland who believe that online violence should be made a criminal offence as of February 2023, by gender

Cases of violence against firefighters and emergency service workers Germany 2022

Cases of violence against firefighters and other emergency service workers recorded by the police in Germany from 2018 to 2022

Sexual violence cases against offspring in Belgium 2008-2022

Registered cases of sexual violence against offspring in Belgium from 2008 to 2022

Number of women fatalities due to gender violence by age group Spain 2022

Total number of women fatalities due to gender violence in Spain in 2019 to 2022, by age group

Number of contact crimes committed against women in South Africa 2022/2023, by type

Number of contact crimes committed against women in South Africa in 2022/2023, by type

Number of complaints and resignations due to political violence in Bolivia, 2016-2023

Number of complaints and resignations due to harassment and political violence registered in Bolivia from 2016 to 2023

Biggest attendances in domestic women's soccer 2023

Highest-attended domestic women's soccer games as of May 2023

Share of people who were victims of physical domestic violence Netherlands 2022

Share of respondents who were victims of physical domestic violence in the past 12 months in the Netherlands in 2022

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

• High contrast
• OUR MISSION
• WHERE WE WORK
• REGIONAL DIRECTOR
• PARTNERSHIPS
• TAKE ACTION
• WORK FOR UNICEF
• PRESS CENTRE

Search UNICEF

Ending violence against women and children in the philippines, opportunities and challenges for collaborative and integrative approaches.

Violence against children and violence against women is prevalent across East Asia and the Pacific.

Although the fields of violence against children (VAC) and violence against women (VAW) historically developed separately, the international community has paid growing attention to intersections between these forms of violence, including shared risk factors, common underlying social norms, co-occurrence, intergenerational effects, common and compounding consequences, and adolescence as a time of vulnerability to and opportunity for prevention of both VAC and VAW. These multiple and complex links suggest that greater collaboration across those working on VAC and VAW policies and programs may increase the effectiveness of efforts to prevent and respond to both forms of violence.

However, while evidence about intersections among drivers, risk factors, and consequences of VAW and VAC has grown in recent years, knowledge about how policies, programs, and services should respond to these intersections is still preliminary. Important questions remain unanswered about how to strengthen a coordinated approach to addressing VAC and VAW.

Recognizing the need for greater collaboration in this area, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (EAPRO), UNFPA Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO), and UN WOMEN Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) partnered on a regional, multi-country initiative in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Viet Nam to explore opportunities and challenges for better coordination, integration and collaboration for VAW and VAC policies, action plans, programs and services in the East Asia and Pacific region, focusing on violence that occurs within spaces and relationships of trust (e.g., intimate or dating relationships, family violence, school violence).

Files available for download

Related topics, more to explore, violence against children in east asia and the pacific.

It condenses these findings into a format more easily accessible for governments, policy makers and technical experts in the region

Fighting Measles in Marawi

Immunization drive aims to end outbreak in Bangsamoro region

Statement on the deaths of children in air attacks on schools in eastern Myanmar

A lifeline away from conflict, violence, and isolation

Peacebuilding through alternative learning is transforming lives in conflict-riddled regions

Abusers may monitor your phone, TAP HERE to more safely and securely browse DomesticShelters.org with a password protected app.

1. Select a discrete app icon.

Next step: Custom Icon Title

2. Change the title (optional).

Domestic Abuse Help in the Philippines

Commonly Asked Domestic Abuse Questions

DomesticShelters.org has heard from many victims and survivors in the Philippines, and created toolkits covering the topics that people tell us they want to learn more about. Domestic abuse is a complex matter. We have developed nearly 1,000 articles on every aspect of domestic violence. If you don't find what you need below, enter your enter your topic here and our search engine will find what you need.

• What is Domestic Abuse?
• Why Do Abusers Abuse?
• I'm Ready to Leave, Now What?
• What About My Kids?
• I Know Someone Who is Being Abused, What Should I Do?
• How Do I Heal After Abuse?

Learn More About Domestic Abuse

• The Five Types of Domestic Abuse
• What is Coercive Control?
• What is Emotional or Mental Abuse?
• Are You a Victim of Gaslighting?
• What is Financial Abuse?
• 14 Misconceptions About Domestic Abuse
• 25 Relationship Red Flags
• How Abusers Speak
• Profile of an Abuser
• Abuse Almost Always Escalates
• Power and Control Wheel Explains Cycle of Violence
• Collecting Evidence of Abuse Without Danger
• Calling a Helpline: What You Can Expect
• When It's Time to Go
• Leaving Without Dying

National Domestic Abuse Helplines and Resources for the Philippines

If you are experiencing domestic abuse in the Philippines, this page provides you with the essential resources needed to find help. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911.

To find help in your area search for your local barangay VAW desk.

Functions of the Barangay VAW Desk

• Assist violence against women (VAW) victims in securing Barangay Protection Order (BPO) and accessing necessary services.
• Respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay.
• Record the number of gender-based violence cases handled by the barangay and submit a quarterly report on all VAW cases to the DILG City/Municipal Field Office and the City/Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (C/MSWDO).
• Keep VAW case records confidential and secured, and ensure that only authorized personnel can access it
• Develop the barangay's gender-responsive plan in addressing gender-based violence, including support services, capacity building, and referral system;
• Coordinate with and refer cases to government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), institutions, and other service providers as necessary;
• Address other forms of abuse committed against women, especially senior citizens, women with disabilities, and other marginalized groups;
• Lead advocacies on the elimination of VAW in the community and perform other related functions as may be assigned.

Women's Care Center, Inc. 0917 825 032 / 0920 9677 852 / landline: 8514 4104/ email: [email protected]

Women's Crisis Center is a non-stock, non-profit private institution with a firm commitment to end violence against women and to work towards a just and humane society.

The Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC)

The Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC) was established by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 9262 to ensure effective implementation of the law and be the lead coordinator and monitoring body on VAWC initiatives. The Council is composed of 12 member agencies that are tasked to formulate programs and projects to eliminate VAWC based on their mandates, as well as develop capacity-building programs for their employees to become more gender-sensitive to the needs of their clients.

The IACVAWC Strategic Action Plan for 2017-2022 outlines the country's advocacy and communication plan for how they will approach violence against women among other issues related to the welfare of women in the country.

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), formerly known as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), is the primary policymaking and coordinating body on women and gender equality concerns. It continues to build upon the past efforts and achievements in advancing the status of women.

On August 14, 2009, through the Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women, the NCRFW was renamed to PCW, its mandate was expanded and its structure and staffing pattern was revised with the assistance from the Department of Budget and Management. The Commission is then tasked to monitor and oversight the implementation of the Magna Carta, as well as to ensure that government agencies are capacitated in its effective implementation.

Domestic Abuse Statistics in the Philipines

• One in five women aged 15-49 have experienced either physical and sexual violence
• Only 30 percent of those who have experienced violence sought assistance from designated agencies or authorities, 66 percent of whom choose to seek help within their family network.
• In 2013 more women outside paid employment have experienced violence, at 36 percent, compared to the 22 percent who are employed.
• 70 % of those who experienced violence do not seek help from designated agencies or authorities because of fear of reprisal and poor confidence and perception of public service providers.
• 66 percent of whom choose to seek help within their family network.
• in 2013 more women outside paid employment have experienced violence, at 36 percent, compared to the 22 percent who are employed.

Source: 2013 National Health Demographic Survey

Looking for someone to speak with? Enter your location to find phone numbers for domestic violence experts in your area.

Have a question about domestic violence? Type your question below to find answers.

Get Help Now

Find a domestic violence advocate who can help near you.

Receive news and helpful articles weekly

We'll never spam you or sell your information. If you have any questions about how we protect your data, check out our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• DomesticShelters.org Editorial Policy
• Advertise With DomesticShelters.org

Welcome to DomesticShelters.org, a trusted Bright Sky US partner. On DomesticShelters.org, you will find free domestic violence resources such as:

• Searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the United States and Canada
• Articles, videos, and helpful tools for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence
• Links to other helpful resources

The Bright Sky US website is still open on your browser in a separate tab, so you can return to the Bright Sky US website anytime.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

The Perspective of Male Victims on Domestic Violence in the Philippines

Related Papers

Proceedings of the 4th World Conference on Women’s Studies

Nurul Nadia Abd Aziz

This paper was prepared as part of the Domestic Violence against Women Research Project conducted by JEIWA’s Research and Innovation (R&I) with the support of Department of Women’s Development, Malaysia. The paper seeks to explore the factors that contribute to the public reactions to domestic violence against woman and strategic interventions in increasing public awareness. Violence against women deprives women of their right to fully take part in social and economic life. It causes a myriad of physical and mental health issues. An extensive investigation of related literature and in-depth interview with domestic violence witnesses are employed for this purpose. The key findings of this study found that the culture and tradition, social stigma and lack of knowledge of public’s right have been identified as the factors that hinder the community to response to domestic violence perpetration. The findings from this research could help policy makers, authorized agencies and non-governmental organizational leaders to strategize and adequately craft a suitable and high impact program that suits the target groups' needs and lifestyle.

Doreen Munyati

AHOTOVI T AHOTO

ABSTRACT Domestic violence is a major public health problem that has negative impact on the peaceful existence of people who are engaged in various forms of relationships. A large number of the Ghanaian population may have experienced, witnessed or heard about its occurrence. The aim of this study was to identify forms of domestic violence perpetrated against men by their female partners, reasons for male abuse and actions taken by abused men. The study was carried out within the people living in the Ashaiman community. Structured questionnaires were administered to respondents for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were run on the data. The study found that the level of knowledge about domestic violence was very high as (93%) of the respondents know about some forms of domestic violence. The study also established that men suffer from of various forms domestic violence, including physical (82.4%), sexual (79%), verbal and psychological abuse (93.3%). The results from the study also indicated that females abuse their male partners for several reasons with the major one being the inability of men to provide money for housekeeping according to (87%) of the respondents. It was also found that reporting to religious leaders and family relatives were the major actions taken by abused men as claimed by 77.3% and 76.4% of the respondents respectively. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that religious leaders should be give appropriate education about domestic violence to boost their knowledge in the way to address it, as most victims call on them with issues of abuse. Again there is the need for further studies in to male abuse as society has been silent on the issue of male abuse for long.

Sandra Scicluna

Ndabuli T . Mugisho

Domestic violence is a branch of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Domestic violence is directed towards family members, particularly the wife and so it is rampant in the world. This research delves in the beliefs and attitudes towards male domestic violence in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It also provides a comprehensive understanding of some different factors, forms, reasons and consequences of such violence in the province. This research used qualitative approach with focus group and in-depth interviews with adult men in the mentioned province. There were organised two focus groups and two in-depth interviews. Fourteen men participated to these interviews. The researcher selected them with the help of the provincial authorities. The dynamism of men’s beliefs and attitudes towards domestic violence in this province is of paramount importance to understand. The research found that South Kivu men believe that asserting power and masculinity in the family in general, particularly to the wife is their right. This connectivity promotes the widespread of GBV in the province. The participants also revealed that society fosters men’s power and masculinity over family members. This actually makes domestic violence become a culture in the area. In combating domestic violence through means of education, awareness raising and law reinforcement and its fair implementation, families can be harmonious. This is possible if society motivates men to use their power and masculinity in a constructive way, and if the victims are helped to restore their self esteem, regain hope and break the silence.

Md Asadujaman

Eric Burton

Mike Brogden

Rowena Manto

UCLA Women's LJ

Nawal Ammar

44 UCLA WOMEN'S LAW JOURNAL [Vol. 13:43 tection orders and that having a protection order proved to correlate positively with the arrests of the perpetrators. However, participants reported that police responses were far from adequate. In many cases, the police failed to speak ...

RELATED PAPERS

michal gilad

niew.gov.my

Kshitiz Sharma

Bon Angelo Rizabal

Prof Udo C Osisiogu

Richard Carpiano

Amanda Odoi

nick florea

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Essay On Domestic Violence

500 words essay on domestic violence.

Domestic violence refers to the violence and abuse which happens in a domestic setting like cohabitation or marriage. It is important to remember that domestic violence is not just physical but any kind of behaviour that tries to gain power and control over the victim. It can affect people from all walks of life and it basically subjects towards a partner, spouse or intimate family member. Through an essay on domestic violence, we will go through its causes and effects.

Causes of Domestic Violence

Often women and children are the soft targets of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a gruesome crime that also causes a number of deaths. Some of the most common causes of domestic violence are illiteracy and economical dependency on the menfolk.

The male-dominated society plays an important role in this problem. Further, dowry is also one of the leading causes which have the consequence of violence against newly-wed brides. In many parts of the world, physically assaulting women and passing horrendous remarks is common.

Moreover, children also become victims of this inhuman behaviour more than often. It is important to recognize the double standards and hypocrisy of society. A lot of the times, the abuser is either psychotic or requires psychological counselling.

However, in a more general term, domestic violence is the outcome of cumulative irresponsible behaviour which a section of society demonstrates. It is also important to note that solely the abuser is not just responsible but also those who allow this to happen and act as mere mute spectators.

Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has many ill-effects which depend on the kind of domestic violence happening. It ranges from being physical to emotional and sexual to economic. A physical abuser uses physical force which injures the victim or endangers their life.

It includes hitting, punching, choking, slapping, and other kinds of violence. Moreover, the abuser also denies the victim medical care. Further, there is emotional abuse in which the person threatens and intimidates the victim. It also includes undermining their self-worth.

It includes threatening them with harm or public humiliation. Similarly, constant name-calling and criticism also count as emotional abuse. After that, we have sexual abuse in which the perpetrator uses force for unwanted sexual activity.

If your partner does not consent to it, it is forced which makes it sexual abuse. Finally, we have economic abuse where the abuser controls the victim’s money and their economic resources.

They do this to exert control on them and make them dependent solely on them. If your partner has to beg you for money, then it counts as economic abuse. This damages the self-esteem of the victim.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Domestic Violence

To conclude, domestic violence has many forms which include physical aggression like kicking and biting and it can also be sexual or emotional. It is essential to recognize the signs of domestic violence and report the abuser if it is happening around you or to you.

FAQ of Essay on Domestic Violence

Question 1: Why is domestic violence an issue?

Answer 1: Domestic violence has a major impact on the general health and wellbeing of individuals. It is because it causes physical injury, anxiety, depression. Moreover, it also impairs social skills and increases the likelihood that they will participate in practices harmful to their health, like self-harm or substance abuse.

Question 2: How does domestic violence affect a woman?

Answer 2: Domestic violence affects women in terms of ill health. It causes serious consequences on their mental and physical health which includes reproductive and sexual health. It also includes injuries, gynaecological problems, depression, suicide and more.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Violence against Women in the Philippines Essay Example

• Pages: 5 (1165 words)
• Published: April 26, 2017
• Type: Research Paper

ERADICATING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES As human beings, everyone is equally entitled to human rights without prejudices. We, especially women, have the rights to protect ourselves. Women need extra attention, protection and personal affirmation. They are the most vulnerable who need to be restricted from different types of abuse. Some historians believe that the history of violence against women is tied to the history of women being viewed as property and a gender role assigned to be subservient to men and also other women.

The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) states that "violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and that violence a

gainst women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men. ”

In the 1870s courts in the United States stopped recognizing the common-law principle that a husband had the right to "physically chastise an errant wife". In the UK the traditional right of a husband to inflict moderate corporal punishment on his wife in order to keep her "within the bounds of duty" was removed in 1891. With the malignant disease, namely “violence against women”, spreading around our country, the Philippine government, along with non-government organizations, takes actions to stop the abuse to the welfare and safety of the women.

Violence against women is one of the hottest issues the Philippines is currently facing. There are different trends in the number of violence against women cases from different government an

non-government agencies. The number of VAW cases reported to the police increased sevenfold, from 1,100 in 1996 to 7,383 in 2004. In 2006 a total of 5,758 VAW cases were reported to the police. In 2008 the number of VAW cases reported to the police rose by 21 percent from the 2007 report. (National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, 2008)

One of the first worst forms of violence against women in the country is human trafficking. From 1993 to December 2002, there were around 1,013 Recorded Cases of Human Trafficking (DFA/CFO). 1999 accounted for 36. 1 percent of the case while 2000 accounted for while 2000 accounted for 13. 2 percent of the cases. Out of 460 responses, it has been noted that most of the victims came from Region III (26. 5 percent); Region IV (17. 8 percent); and National Capital Region (16. 5 percent). 64. 5 percent were women victims and 19. 1 percent of the women were forced into prostitution. 1. 8 percent were trafficked/smuggled to Asia-Pacific; 26 percent to the Middle East; and 18. 3 percent to Europe. (Philippine National Police Database on VAW, Quezon City, Philippines) The World Health Organization reports that violence against women puts an undue burden on health care services with women who have suffered violence being more likely to need health services and at higher cost, compared to women who have not suffered violence. Several studies have shown a link between poor treatment of women and international violence.

These studies show that one of the best predictors of inter- and intra-national violence is the maltreatment of women in the society. (WHO Factsheet Violence against women) Government agencies implement laws and programs to lessen

the crimes concerning violence against women. One of the agendas of the Philippine government is to promote and protect the well-being of the women. Here are some of the agencies trying to do their best to solve the rising problem. President Arroyo signed into the law Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

This comprehensive law seeks to make Filipino women less vulnerable to the illicit trade by imposing stiff penalties on anyone found guilty of any form of involvement in human trafficking and enjoining private entities to help in the effort. The law institutes polices to eliminate trafficking in persons, especially women and children, establishes necessary institutional mechanisms to protect and support trafficked persons and set sanctions and penalties to traffickers, those who facilitate trafficking, and those who buy or engage the services of trafficked persons for prostitutions. (NCRFW, Manila, Philippines, 2003)

Another law implemented is Republic Act No. 9262 or the Antiviolence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. This was signed into law last March 8, 2004 during the celebration of “International Women’s Day. ” It penalizes all forms of abuse and violence within the family and intimate relationships (NCRFW, RA 9262: The Anti? VAWC Law, NCRFW, Manila, Philippines, 2004. ) Department of Health (DOH) institutionalized the Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU), each WCPU is founded on a 24-hour quick response approach that delivers a personalized and comprehensive health care to survivors.

In collaborations with the Children Protection Unit and Women’s Desk of the Philippine General Hospital of the University of the Philippines, DOH developed a training program for the WCPU doctors to respond with the competence and sensitivity to the needs of women and children survivors

of violence. The training program also enables doctors to do forensic work so that they can provide evidence and stand as expert witness in court. (DOH Performance Standards and Assessment Tools for Services Addressing Violence against Women in the Philippines, 2008)

Non-government organizations (NGOs) also carry out different programs and services for the welfare of the children. These organizations provide holistic programs, services and facilities to uphold the welfare of the women. Here are some of the NGOs. The Women’s Crisis Center (WCC), the first crisis center for victims/survivors of VAW, launched its National Family Violence Prevention Program in 1997 with 18 cities and municipalities all over the Philippines.

It is a community-based strategy of preparing family members to protect themselves against violence and manage peaceful resolution of conflict within the context of family relations. It aims to organize and mobilize multi-agency action groups in the prevention of family violence from the regional up to the barangay level. The WCC spent an average of P 6, 083. 30 per month per survivor. This includes food and transportation subsidy, medical assistance, therapies, utilities and other personal needs. (WCC, Quezon City, Philippines, 1989)

The NGO Community is credited not only for raising domestic violence as a public issue, but also for providing services long before the government recognized it. Among these were Lihok Pilipina’s Bantay Banay (Community Watch in Cebu City); the COMBAT-Vaw (Community-Based Approach to Violence Against Women) which was pioneered by the Women’s Legal Bureau and adopted by Quezon City. Also involved in the crusade against VAW are three legal groups, SALIGAN (Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panlegal), Women’s Legal Bureau and KALAKASAN (Kababaihan Laban sa Karahasan) which also

provides shelter and counseling.

They carry activities such as Tigil Bugbog (Stop Wife Battering), a hotline for counseling, self-defense classes, paralegal training and research to establish baseline status of women’s rights against VAW. (Philippines CEDAW Report) With these different government and non-government organizations aiming to provide holistic programs, services and facilities to uphold the welfare of the children, the rate of violence against women in the Philippines would hopefully decrease. These programs would definitely increase public awareness, responsibility, and community involvement in child protection.

• Eliminating Gender Based Violence Approaches Sociology Essay Example
• Rap Music Should not Be Banned Essay Example
• Why a Peaceful Woman Carries a Gun Essay Example
• Review of Related Literature of Volcano Tourism in the Philippines Essay Example
• Effects of Watching Too Much Tv Essay Example
• Life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal Essay Example
• Television: the Undiscovered Drug Essay Example
• When a man loves a woman Essay Example
• The Beggar Woman by William King and Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy Essay Example
• Teodoro Kalaw: Aide-de-Camp to Freedom Essay Example
• The Effects of Watching Tagalized English Movies in the Philippines Essay Example
• The Relationship Between Suppression and Violence Essay Example
• United States Homicide Rate Essay Example
• Public Administration in the Philippines Essay Example
• Computer and Philippines Inc. Essay Example
• The victim essays
• Barangay essays
• Media Violence essays
• Domestic Violence essays
• Violence in Video Games essays
• Gun Violence essays
• Video Game Violence essays
• Violence Against Women essays
• Youth Violence essays
• Affirmative Action essays
• Assisted Suicide essays
• Capital Punishment essays
• Censorship essays
• Child Labour essays
• Child Protection essays
• Civil Rights essays
• Corporal Punishment essays
• Death Penalty essays
• Empowerment essays
• Euthanasia essays
• Gay Marriage essays
• Gun Control essays
• Human Trafficking essays
• Police Brutality essays
• Privacy essays
• Sex Trafficking essays
• Speech essays
• Bangladesh essays
• China essays
• Hong Kong essays
• India essays
• Japan essays
• Kuala Lumpur essays
• Malaysia essays
• Manila essays
• Pakistan essays
• Philippines essays
• Singapore essays
• Vietnam essays
• Vietnamese essays
• Abortion essays
• Abuse essays
• Animal Rights essays
• Animal Testing essays
• Assault essays
• Bullying essays
• Controversial Issue essays
• Crash essays
• Cyber Bullying essays
• Feminism essays

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards.

• Enter your topic/question
• Receive an explanation
• Ask one question at a time
• Enter a specific assignment topic
• Aim at least 500 characters
• a topic sentence that states the main or controlling idea
• supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you’re making
• evidence from your reading or an example from the subject area that supports your point
• analysis of the implication/significance/impact of the evidence finished off with a critical conclusion you have drawn from the evidence.

Unfortunately copying the content is not possible

Tell us your email address and we’ll send this sample there..

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions .

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Bonza urged to pay April wages; data breach exposes family violence, sexual assault data – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast
• 8h ago What we learned: Friday 3 May
• 9h ago Data breach exposes family violence, sexual assault data
• 9h ago Rocket successfully launched in SA
• 9h ago Sky News apologises for $1m barramundi winner interview
• 10h ago Union urges Bonza administrators to ‘strain every sinew’ to pay employees’ wages
• 10h ago ‘Like letting a wildebeest loose on playing Beethoven’: constitutional expert lashes high court’s grasp of economics
• 10h ago Man arrested at shopping centre after allegedly threatening people with a knife
• 11h ago Western Sydney mayor dies mid-flight while returning home from China
• 11h ago Australia slips to 39th on global press freedom index
• 12h ago Racecourse floodwall ‘most likely’ caused houses to be inundated: report
• 13h ago Marles meets US, Japan and Philippines counterparts to discuss Pacific defence
• 14h ago Wong and German counterpart concerned at Gaza ‘humanitarian catastrophe’
• 15h ago Reforming justice system key to addressing violence against women – Car
• 15h ago NSW to announce package to combat violence against women 'within days'
• 16h ago Bonza logo to vanish from A-League club’s kits
• 16h ago Class action to stop demolition of Melbourne public housing towers dismissed
• 17h ago Attorneys general set to meet on gendered violence prevention
• 17h ago PM says oversight board made ‘wrong decision’ on immigration detainee ankle bracelet
• 18h ago Man charged with blackmail after alleged pubs and clubs data breach
• 18h ago Mexican media reporting three questioned over missing Australian brothers
• 19h ago Good morning
• 19h ago Fresh cross-party plea for US to drop pursuit of Julian Assange
• 19h ago Special NSW cabinet meeting to discuss domestic violence
• 20h ago Bonza stands down most staff
• 20h ago Mother's plea for brothers missing in Mexico
• 20h ago Welcome

Prof Tyrone Carlin , the vice-chancellor and president of Southern Cross University, and Janelle Saffin , the state member for Lismore and the NSW parliamentary secretary for disaster recovery, both highlighted the importance of the university’s connection to the community.

Carlin said:

Lismore is the most flood-prone city in Australia. We know that many in the Northern Rivers community remain traumatised by the 2022 back-to-back flood disasters. Lismore is also the birthplace of Southern Cross University, and with our roots deeply embedded in the community it is appropriate we lead this project.

Saffin said:

This project not only offers innovative evidence-based practices for trauma relief, but also means something positive can come out of our local experience. This research will add to the body of knowledge around trauma and post-traumatic growth. James Bennett-Levy has an international reputation for innovative mental health approaches and a commitment to the wellbeing or rural Australians, particularly the residents of the Northern Rivers region. That’s why I was happy to throw my support behind this project.

Flood PTSD patients could take part in world-first trial

People left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the Northern Rivers floods will be able to take part in a world first clinical trial.

Researchers at Southern Cross University have received $3.8m from the federal government to implement over 200 participants with a stepped care model, starting with the least to most intensive treatments.

The lead researcher, Prof James Bennett-Levy , said people in northern NSW are still suffering from disaster-related PTSD.

“Our research after the 2017 floods showed that mental health problems were compounded if people were self-critical and blamed themselves. We have therefore designed a stepped care program with a self-compassion focus.”

The first step will involve a five-session arts-based program in which participants create compassion-focused artworks.

If participants still have PTSD, they may be eligible for the second step, involving MDMA-assisted therapy. Bennett-Levy said:

Prior research has shown that MDMA-assisted therapy is an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD and enhances self-compassion.

To date, there have been very few clinical trials focused on recovery from disaster-related PTSD, and none have focused on a stepped care model.

The project is one of 26 recipients who have received a total $62m from the Albanese government’s 2022 clinical trials grant activity, with funding having started in March.

The health minister, Mark Butler , said:

In a country often ravaged by bushfires, floods and cyclones, the world-first research by Southern Cross University will look for new and innovative ways to help communities recover following natural disasters.

Class action against demolition of Melbourne public housing towers dismissed by supreme court

Victoria’s supreme court has dismissed a class action that was attempting to stop the demolition of Melbourne’s 44 public housing towers, saying it had no real prospect of success.

But the Inner Melbourne Community Legal service, which is leading the case, said it was determined to continue the fight using fresh legal tactics.

All 44 of Melbourne’s high-rise public housing towers will be redeveloped by 2051, with five in Flemington, North Melbourne and Carlton expected to be replaced by 2031.

Full story:

Here is something I wrote back in October 2022 about the racecourse wall and concerns it may have made the Maribyrnong River flood worse:

Compensatory works ‘largely ineffective’ at mitigating effects of racecourse floodwall: report

The report found:

The modelled increases in flood depths resulting from the construction of the Floodwall and associated compensatory works outlined above have most likely resulted in flooding of some houses that would otherwise not have flooded and increased the flood damage in houses that would have been flooded in the absence of the Floodwall and associated compensatory works (e.g. requiring skirting boards or furniture to be replaced, requiring electrical work to be done, resulting in additional stock losses for businesses etc.). The information provided to the Review Panel also clearly indicates that the compensatory works were largely ineffective at mitigating the effect the Floodwall had on the October 2022 Flood Event.

Melbourne Water have been contacted for comment.

Racecourse floodwall ‘most likely’ caused houses to be inundated: report

A floodwall designed to protect Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse “most likely” resulted in houses being inundated that would not otherwise have flooded, an independent panel has found.

The Maribyrnong River in the city’s west flooded in October 2022, leading to damage at dozens of properties.

Melbourne Water commissioned an independent panel to review the flood, chaired by former judge Tony Pagone KC , which handed down its final report on Friday.

It found a wall constructed to protect Flemington Racecourse from flooding and “associated compensatory works” had resulted in increases in water level of between eight and 80mm.

Have a feast on Weekly Beast

Australia and partners ‘utterly committed’ to asserting rules-based order in world’s oceans

Marles continued:

And our four countries are utterly committed to asserting freedom of navigation, to asserting the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. To asserting the global rules-based order around the oceans of the world including in the West Philippines Sea.

Marles meets US, Japan and Philippines counterparts to discuss Pacific defence

The defence minister, Richard Marles , is speaking after meeting with his counterparts from the US, Japan and the Philippines in Hawaii.

There’s a lot of mention of the “rules-based order”, as you can imagine. Marles said:

We meet at a time when the global rules-based order is under intense pressure. We see that in Ukraine with the appalling invasion by Russia of that country. But we see the global rules-based order under pressure in the Indo-Pacific as well. And a challenge to the global rules-based order in Ukraine is a challenge to the global rules-based order in the East China Sea, in the South China Sea, in the West Philippine Sea.

Many thanks for joining me on the blog this morning. Nino Bucci will be here for the remainder of the day. Have a great weekend.

• Australian politics
• Anthony Albanese
• Labor party
• Domestic violence
• Indigenous Australians
• New South Wales

Most viewed