Emotionally traumatized by the incident, 28-year-old Cora (not her real name) sought the help of the police in Capiz. Later, she was turned over to Regional Center for Women (RCW) in Iloilo which is being managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 (DSWD-6) for her protection and rehabilitation.
“When she first entered the center, Cora was skinny, very shy, hesitant to be talked to by anybody else and preferred to stay inside her room,” said RCW center head Haydee Canilla.
Canilla said through the rehabilitative activities and counselling conducted inside the center by the houseparents, Cora’s has recovered fast from the trauma until she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
“Now, she is already participating in different activities, knows how to take care of herself including her three children,” said Canilla.
Cora is also thankful that they are benefiting from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Her six-year-old son is covered by the program and receives P1,600 for his health and education.
“We taught her how to handle and manage her money so that she could have more savings for her children. But for the meantime, she keeps her money because all her needs are being provided to her at the center,” Canilla added.
Cora’s husband also reconciled with her and regularly visits her and their children at the center. He promised to provide a separate home for his family and settle the misunderstanding between his wife and parents.
On her part, Cora said she is willing to go back to her husband and start for a new beginning because she still is in love with him.
“I am very thankful to DSWD for taking care of us here. I learned so many things here especially regaining my self-worth. My husband and I had promised to take care of each other and settle differences as soon as possible to avoid possible arguments,” she said in a vernacular words.
Cora is set to return home before June this year.
WOMEN’S MONTH
Cases of abused women in the region are decreasing, revealed Canilla.
Currently, there are 16 residents under the care of the RCW.
The RCW is catering women that are victims of domestic violence, incest, rape, human trafficking, involuntary prostitution, abandonment and illegal recruitment.
Of the 16 cases, 6 are mothers while the 10 are their children. The youngest resident is a six-month old whose mother is suffering from emotional stress.
Canilla said the present number of cases is lower if compared with the previous years.
“Victims are given temporary shelter from three to six months before they will be turned over to their proper custodian,” she said.
While inside the RCW, victims are being taught of livelihood activities, conduct skill trainings, tutorials, and undergo self-therapy, counseling, psychiatric tests, and among others./Montesa Grino- Caoyonan