VAWC, a Cultural Taboo

By Jake del Puerto

We have the law, but we lack the people to support it.

As I was listening to the talk given by a member of SAGIP, my attention was caught when she mentioned that some lawyers in the Public Attorney’s Office would not take VAWC cases due to the fact that the accused was usually someone they knew. This was, indeed, a major concern thinking that government lawyers who were sworn to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the land would shirk on their duties because they do not want to cause any strain in their relationships with people.

The fight to end violence against women and their children is not one solely waged by the victims. This is a struggle that each and every one in the community should be aware and be involved in. The cause is not solely for the protection and empowerment of women, but also for the betterment of our society and nation. Thus, it is imperative that the Filipino country must work hand in hand to reach this goal.

It should be forever washed out in our minds the notion that battering is a marital problem and no one is to interfere. This belief is not supported by rhyme or reason. It is but a pitiful and shameful excuse for people who are cold to the needs of their fellow human beings. They don’t want to get involved not because they don’t care, but because they are heartless.

Overall, we may have the laws but if we don’t have the people to support them, then these laws are nothing but pieces of paper stocked in some shelves. They become inutile like the people who turn a deaf ear to the screams of pain that women around them have for years bore. It is, thus, my wish that we as a nation think of violence against women and children as a cultural taboo and shame the people who perpetrate such, whether directly or indirectly.