To educate the students of Holy Cross College on issues and laws concerning the rights and protection of women and children, the School of Criminal Justice organized a webinar that aimed to raise awareness on the issue of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) on October 28.
Dr. Rhemrick Corpuz, the program chair of the Angeles University Foundation Graduate School, was invited as the guest lecturer. According to him, it is both critical and timely to talk about the issue on VAWC, especially amid the ongoing pandemic and implementations of lockdown. He explained that since the Covid-19 pandemic began, there has been an increase in cases of domestic violence.
According to a government report, because domestic violence happens inside a home, the lockdowns did not only increase the possibility of gender-based violence, but they also proved to be an obstacle in reporting VAW cases and accessing necessary services.
The report also stated that more than 8,000 VAW cases were reported from March 15, 2020 to October 2020, the height of the community quarantine. But many remain unreported due to restricted movement and limited communication channels.
“[Abused women] cannot go out,” said Corpuz. “There is a problem with travel that’s why hindi makahingi ng tulong ‘yung mga inabuso.”
Corpuz’s talk highlighted the various national and international laws that push gender equality and protect the safety of women and their children.
One of these is the Safe Spaces Act, a three-year-old law that provides for the safety of women in public spaces like streets, establishments, and online platforms, as well as workplace, educational, and training institutions.
Another is the international treaty Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This treaty pushes the fundamental rights and opportunities of women in all aspects of life: political, social, civil, cultural, and economic.
On that, Corpuz said: “In terms of opportunity, dapat parehas ang babae at lalaki.”
The seminar also discussed the rights of children. “Human dignity for children is also important,” said Corpuz. One law that protects children in the country is the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. This law protects children at risk and children in conflict with the law by protecting them from inhuman treatment and reserving their right not to be deprived of their liberty unlawfully.
Corpuz also commended the Holy Cross College, particularly the School of Criminal Justice for highlighting important social issues like VAWC. “Very thankful tayo sa HCC for sharing this on Facebook … Violence against women is something that needs to be discussed.”
More than 500 participants attended the webinar, which was shared publicly on the official Facebook page of Holy Cross College and the Future Law Enforcers and Defenders of Justice (FLEDJ).
Holy Cross College constantly immerses its students in online seminars and training that are aligned with their academic requirements, as well as the core values that the school with a heart upholds.
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Here at the school with a heart, we value the rights of every student. We also push for gender equality and women empowerment. We can talk about this more. Reach out to us on our official Facebook page or message our Guidance and Counselling Services Division here.