Violence against women in the Province of Aklan: a case study

Abstract

Violence against women in the Philippines evolved into a public issue from being a private concern. This study entitled: "Violence against Women in the Province of Aklan: A Case Study" determined the underlying causes of abuse on women, the actual violence they suffered, and the coping mechanisms and interventions received by the co- researchers. As a qualitative research employing the phenomenological approach, it focused on the analysis of the lived experiences as narrated by the co- researchers who were identified from the records of the DSWD Aklan Extension Office and the PNP Women's Desk through purposive sampling. The researcher adapted the role of a detached observer in the process of data gathering to obtain reliable information. - Findings revealed that all the co researchers of this study suffered violence from their husbands. The degree and manner of violence that they experienced differed from one other. Findings further showed that violence against women transcended social status, race, religion, occupation and educational attainment. It was often caused by the perpetrators' jealousy, alcoholism, and infidelity. All the co researchers revealed that despite the violence, they moved on by picking up their shattered pieces of self-worth and dignity. They faced their burdens by seeking the assistance of the authorities and concerned agencies. In the end, violence in the home ends when the victim says it ends.- The researcher proposed an intervention plan to address this social phenomenon. This involves individual and social awareness. This social problem calls for a collaborative effort of the community, different agencies, NGOs, LGUs and the media. A more vigilant citizenry can help in minimizing if not totally eliminating the incidence of violence against women