PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY STUDY OF SANTIAGO CITY
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
PSOAC
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Publication Year
2024
Abstract
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The escalation of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) incidents in Santiago City caused an urgent action from law enforcement agencies, notably the Philippine National Police (PNP). Despite existing legal frameworks and community efforts in imposing Ordinances, the prevalence of such violence continues to rise, causing threats to the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
The data collected from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in Santiago City for the calendar year 2023 and early 2024 reveals the alarming statistics. In 2023, there were a total of 161 reported cases under special laws, including those covered by Anti-VAWC Act of 2004. The figures for January to May 2024 show a persistent increase, indicating either heightened awareness, improved reporting systems, or an actual rise in incidents.
A detailed Crime Map from January to May 2024 highlights areas with high incidences of VAWC, with Barangay Rosario topping the list. The majority of incidents occur within victims’ residences, with perpetrators predominantly identified as live-in partners or spouses aged between 31 to 40 years old. Factors such as alcohol consumption often urges these incidents, as seen in multiple cases reported under Republic act 9262.
To symmetrically address the increasing VAWC cases, this study utilized a Force-Field Analysis tool, identifying both driving and restraining forces to come up with a comprehensive conclusion and recommends solutions:
Driving Forces:
- Strong Legal Framework: The Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 provides crucial protections and pathways to justice, essential for reducing VAWC crimes.
- Gender Equality Initiatives: Local government-funded programs promote awareness and challenges societal norms, fostering a supportive environment.
- Stakeholder Training: Continuous education enhances the capacity of key stakeholders, including law enforcement and healthcare providers, to respond effectively.
Restraining Forces:
- Socioeconomic Challenges: Poverty and lack of economic opportunities contribute significantly to vulnerability and underreporting.
- Cultural Norms: Deeply rooted attitudes towards VAWC and victim-blaming hinder efforts to address incidents comprehensively.
Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to mitigate VAWC in Santiago City:
1. Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks: Enforce existing laws rigorously, update policies to reflect evolving needs, and advocate for reforms.
2. Promote Gender Equality: Expand funding for programs that challenge negative norms, empower women, and educate communities.
3. Enhance Awareness and Education: Launch targeted campaigns and integrate VAWC prevention into school curricula to increase public understanding and reporting.
4. Strengthen Support Services: Improve access to comprehensive support, including healthcare, counselling, legal aid, and safe shelters.
5. Address Socioeconomic Factors: Implement initiative to alleviate poverty and provide economic opportunities, reducing vulnerability to VAWC which includes establishing partnership and collaboration to various government agencies, NGOs and stakeholders such as TESDA in giving survivors skills and knowledge leading to a long-term livelihood opportunity. Also, encouraging these stakeholders to adopt a child for an education scholarship grant.
6. Enhance Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop systematic data collection systems to assess interventions’ effectiveness and ensure accountability.
The Action Plan outlines strategic interventions focused on prevention, protection, and empowerment to eradicate VAWCC in Santiago City. It emphasizes collaboration among law enforcement, government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to achieve measurable reductions in VAWC incidents. By addressing root causes, enhancing support systems, and fostering societal change, Santiago City can create a safer environment for all residents.
Through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment, Santiago City can effectively confront and reduce the impact of VAWC, ensuring a secure and equitable community for generations to come.
The escalation of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) incidents in Santiago City caused an urgent action from law enforcement agencies, notably the Philippine National Police (PNP). Despite existing legal frameworks and community efforts in imposing Ordinances, the prevalence of such violence continues to rise, causing threats to the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
The data collected from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in Santiago City for the calendar year 2023 and early 2024 reveals the alarming statistics. In 2023, there were a total of 161 reported cases under special laws, including those covered by Anti-VAWC Act of 2004. The figures for January to May 2024 show a persistent increase, indicating either heightened awareness, improved reporting systems, or an actual rise in incidents.
A detailed Crime Map from January to May 2024 highlights areas with high incidences of VAWC, with Barangay Rosario topping the list. The majority of incidents occur within victims’ residences, with perpetrators predominantly identified as live-in partners or spouses aged between 31 to 40 years old. Factors such as alcohol consumption often urges these incidents, as seen in multiple cases reported under Republic act 9262.
To symmetrically address the increasing VAWC cases, this study utilized a Force-Field Analysis tool, identifying both driving and restraining forces to come up with a comprehensive conclusion and recommends solutions:
Driving Forces:
- Strong Legal Framework: The Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 provides crucial protections and pathways to justice, essential for reducing VAWC crimes.
- Gender Equality Initiatives: Local government-funded programs promote awareness and challenges societal norms, fostering a supportive environment.
- Stakeholder Training: Continuous education enhances the capacity of key stakeholders, including law enforcement and healthcare providers, to respond effectively.
Restraining Forces:
- Socioeconomic Challenges: Poverty and lack of economic opportunities contribute significantly to vulnerability and underreporting.
- Cultural Norms: Deeply rooted attitudes towards VAWC and victim-blaming hinder efforts to address incidents comprehensively.
Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to mitigate VAWC in Santiago City:
1. Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks: Enforce existing laws rigorously, update policies to reflect evolving needs, and advocate for reforms.
2. Promote Gender Equality: Expand funding for programs that challenge negative norms, empower women, and educate communities.
3. Enhance Awareness and Education: Launch targeted campaigns and integrate VAWC prevention into school curricula to increase public understanding and reporting.
4. Strengthen Support Services: Improve access to comprehensive support, including healthcare, counselling, legal aid, and safe shelters.
5. Address Socioeconomic Factors: Implement initiative to alleviate poverty and provide economic opportunities, reducing vulnerability to VAWC which includes establishing partnership and collaboration to various government agencies, NGOs and stakeholders such as TESDA in giving survivors skills and knowledge leading to a long-term livelihood opportunity. Also, encouraging these stakeholders to adopt a child for an education scholarship grant.
6. Enhance Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop systematic data collection systems to assess interventions’ effectiveness and ensure accountability.
The Action Plan outlines strategic interventions focused on prevention, protection, and empowerment to eradicate VAWCC in Santiago City. It emphasizes collaboration among law enforcement, government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to achieve measurable reductions in VAWC incidents. By addressing root causes, enhancing support systems, and fostering societal change, Santiago City can create a safer environment for all residents.
Through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment, Santiago City can effectively confront and reduce the impact of VAWC, ensuring a secure and equitable community for generations to come.
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