PCW reveals alarming reality: Majority of female violence victims do not seek help

The Philippine Commission on Women (PWC) on Monday, Dec. 11, said two in five women, or 42 percent of women aged 15 to 49 experiencing physical or sexual violence “have never sought help” or “never told anyone” about their situations based on the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey.

PWC advised the public not to fear asking for help by filing complaints in terms of crimes related to violence.

“Sinumang mamamayan na may personal na kaalaman sa isinasagawang krimen ay maaaring mag-file ng complaint dahil itinuturing na public crime ang Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) (Whoever has knowledge about crimes being conducted may file complaints, as Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) is considered as public crime,” said PWC.

PWC said two in five women, or 24 percent with ages ranging from 15 to 49 experiencing violence have told someone but did not seek help, while one in three women, or 34 percent has sought help.

Meanwhile, VAW prevails in different forms including emotional violence with a 15 percent prevalence rate; physical violence at six percent; sexual violence at two percent; and one percent for all types of violence.

Moreover, one in five women, or 18 percent of women is experiencing any type of violence from their intimate partner, said PWC.