Article by:
Mary Judaline Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY – Psychosocial abuse is the leading cause of violence against women and children, a non-government organization (NGO in Negros Oriental advocating these sectors said on Monday.
Cindy Uy, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE) executive director, told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview on Tuesday that they have received and catered to a total of 246 cases under its legal assistance program from November 2024 to October 2025.
“The highest among these cases violate Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act, including physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse,” Uy said.
“Topping this list is psychological abuse, such as extramarital affairs, fear, humiliation, and emotional distress,” she added.
Uy said cases logged for the period include physical abuse, 37; psychosocial abuse, 68; sexual abuse (marital rape), one; and economic abuse, eight.
Other cases outside of RA 9262 include rape, 10 and acts of lasciviousness, seven.
Meanwhile, six cases are at the prosecutor’s office level; clients with active cases in court, 20; active cases under the client support program (where the victims require support like psycho-social), 22; and cases assigned/build-up 22, the GWAVE executive director said.
For National Women’s Month this March, Uy said the organization is strengthening its advocacies on providing legal assistance as well as other services to abused women and children.
The Kontra Abuso Hotlines of GWAVE are accessible all the time via 0915-259-3029 (Globe); 0999-576-6679 (Smart); and (035) 422-8405 (landline).
Uy called on the women not to be afraid to seek professional help immediately when they feel that they are being abused by their husbands or partners. (PNA)
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