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Submitted To:
Ms. Osalia, Jonah
Submitted By:
Jain, Alyssa M.
Pagulong, Mia V.
Pastor, Alexandra Mhe J.
BSA 2A
One of the pressing issues in the Philippines is domestic violence. Our group has
chosen to examine a specific case study “Gender-Based Violence: A Case Study in
Samar, Philippines”.
This study provides an in-depth and intensive account about the experiences of woman
victim of domestic violence in Samar. From the interview conducted, results revealed
four themes: sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, and
economic abuse. The welfare of the children is always the mothers’ priority. Thus,
despite the abuse experienced, women stay in the relationship in the hope that the
relationship can be saved for the sake of the children.
II. Introduction
From the results of the study, VAW affects the women’s physical, mental, and emotional
state. It also caused women to lose their selfesteem and threatens their personal
security. The severity and frequency also escalate as the abusive relationship
continues. The welfare of the children is always the mothers’ priority. Thus, despite the
abuse experienced, women stay in the relationship in the hope that the relationship can
be saved for the sake of the children.
Domestic violence affects not just the women but also the children. In the study
conducted, the children also experienced physical abuse from the father. Witnessing the
abusive relationship of the parents has also caused trauma to the children. It has led to
their declining academic performance and children experiencing distress. The trauma
manifested to their physical appearance of the children. The justice system in the
country prevents the victims from pursuing a legal case against the perpetrator. This
was evident from the victim not pushing thru with the case due as according to her, the
process was exhausting. This there implies that there is a need to develop effective
mechanisms that would eliminate if not eradicate VAW in the homes, communities, and
the country in general.
III. Government Response
In recent years, the Philippine government has increasingly recognized the pervasive
issue of gender-based violence (GBV), with specific attention to regions like Samar,
where socio-economic challenges exacerbate vulnerabilities. The government’s
response to GBV is multifaceted, encompassing legislative measures, institutional
frameworks, and community-based interventions aimed at curbing violence against
women and promoting gender equality.
The Philippine government has enacted several laws to address GBV, whichh provide a
foundation for protection and support. The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their
Children Act of 2004 is a landmark legislation that criminalizes various forms of violence
against women, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. This law mandates
the establishment of local Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in police stations and
local government units (LGUs) to facilitate reporting and provide immediate assistance
to victims.
According to Jain, the death penalty is a serious topic with strong arguments on both
sides. The death penalty is a good way to punish those who commit very serious
crimes, like murder, because it can seem like justice for the victims and their families.
But, it’s not also a good idea because it doesn’t always stop crimes and mistakes can
happen, leading to innocent people being punished. I believe that everyone deserves a
chance to change or that life in prison is a better punishment and no one has the right to
take a life, even for justice. Whether it’s good or not depends on how people see justice
and fairness.
According to Pagulong, the death penalty remains a contentious issue, with strong
arguments both for and against its implementation. Personally, I support the death
penalty because I believe that it serves as a necessary deterrent against heinous
crimes, such as murder. For example, a person is convicted of brutally killing an
innocent victim during a robbery. In this case, the severity of the crime warrants the
ultimate punishment. The death penalty provides justice for victims and their families,
offering a sense of closure. In this hypothetical situation, the family of the victim may
feel that true justice can only be achieved if the perpetrator faces the same fate as their
loved one. It can prevent the offender from committing further crimes, ensuring that
dangerous individuals are permanently removed from society. The death penalty can
deter potential criminals from committing violent acts, knowing that the ultimate
consequence is death. While some may argue that it does not effectively deter crime,
the moral imperative to protect society from violent offenders remains a compelling
reason to uphold capital punishment. Thus, in cases of extreme violence, the death
penalty can be viewed as a justified response that reinforces societal values and the
sanctity of human life.
According to Pastor, the death penalty may serve as a deterrent and ensure justice, but
it may raise concerns about its morality. As an individual, I do believe that people who
have committed serious crimes must be punished, but not in the form of the death
penalty. I do not support and I firmly disagree with the death penalty punishment;
instead, if a person committed a serious crime, they must be punished with lifetime
imprisonment without bailing, where they will have to live for the rest of their life in the
prison and reflect on their wrongdoings. They may be alive for long, but they will bring
with them the conscience of their wrongdoings forever. The death penalty can have the
risk of wrongful conviction, where even after all the careful judgment there are still cases
where people have been wrongfully convicted. Yes, as human beings, we want to serve
justice for those who have been done immorally by some criminals, but not to the extent
that they will be punished by being killed. The death penalty is a serious topic that is
argumentable, but from my point of view, I will not support it as it will question a
person’s right to life.
V. Conclusion