ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) – Commission on Human Rights (CHR-9) reports an increase of cases particularly on economic and psychological abuse compared to physical abuses.

CHR explains that violence comes in many forms, aside from the physical and sexual abuse that is one of the highest reported cases for the past years, there are also reported cases now on economic and psychological abuses especially during the pandemic. 

“Once a woman becomes dependent to their partner, that is already violence. We want women to become independent,” Atty. Benn Degusman of CHR 9 said.

Based on the record of CHR-9, most of the cases reported this year is more on the lack of financial capacity.

For the observance of the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW), an advocacy campaign that is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006, different government agencies support activities to inform more people on women’s rights.

CHR continues to encourage women not to be afraid and educate themselves to know the right thing to do when they are abused, “once we empower ourselves, once we know our rights, we are capable of making our independent decision. Let us not depend ourselves to our partners,” Atty Degusman said. He also added that to all the men, respect is the most important thing, once we are able to respect our partner, we are already respecting all the women around us. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)