The number of cases of violence against women (VAW) in Negros Oriental dropped in the first 10 months of 2024 due to government and private sector interventions and higher public awareness.

The Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) recorded a total of 369 VAW cases from January to October.

This is lower than the 386 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Captain Helen Grace Aldirete, WCPD provincial chief, said that this year, 24 suspects were arrested with cases filed, 366 cases cleared/solved, and three are under investigation.

Among the six cities in the province, Dumaguete, the provincial capital, had the highest number of cases at 27; followed by Guihulngan, 12; Tanjay and Canlaon City, eight each; Bais City, seven; and Bayawan City, six.

For the municipalities, Bacong had the highest at 62, with Vallehermoso having the lowest at one case.

Aldirete said some of the NOPPO’s initiatives to combat gender violence include the utilization of social media in their information dissemination campaign on Republic Act 9262 or the VAWC law and other related laws.

Each police station through its WCPD desks has its own social media accounts.

The police also continue with their dialogues and consultation and distributing infographic materials in schools, markets, and other places of convergence.

She said they also have radio station programs. (PNA)