During a recent gender information forum at the Palmas del Mar Conference Resort Hotel in Bacolod City, Office of the Ombudsman-Region VI (Ombudsman-6) director, Atty. Pio Dargantes, said violent acts committed against women continue to go unreported.

He noted, many instances of violence are committed by their partners and women often hold “traditional beliefs” when it comes to marriage.

Dargantes explained women take on the role of “martyr” and endure difficulties for the sake of their children.

The Ombudsman regional director urged women to report acts of violence, noting, local police stations are equipped with a Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), which is in operation 24 hours a day.

He noted, exposure to domestic violence can be traumatic for children, and can lead to suicide.

Last April, Bacolod City Police Office-WCPD head, Police Inspector Arlyn Torrendon, said the number of cases involving violence against women reduced between this year and last year.

Based on police data, a total of 15 cases were recorded between January and February of this year, a drop from the 99 recorded during the same period last year./WDJ