by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra-Around 28 policewomen from the provincial police offices (PPOs) of Abra and Apayao underwent a gender and development (GAD) seminar at Camp Juan Villamor, here in continuing efforts to equip the police force in effectively dealing with women who are victims of social injustice and violence.

The Cordillera Regional Police Community Relations (PCR) officer, PSSupt. Charlo C. Collado, spearheaded the conduct of training for the 20 participants from Abra PPO and eight from Apayao PPO.

Police Senior Inspector Perlita Tacio of the PRO-COR’s Family Juvenile Gender and Development (FJGAD) Office served as the main speaker.

Tacio emphasized the need for the policewomen to take special consideration of the emotional and psychological implications of the sad experiences of the women who are victims of social injustices such as sexual abuse, discrimination and violence in all forms.

With the increased complexities of lifestyles brought about by social interactions, domestic violence has likewise increased. But with the increased awareness of women on their rights, cases are brought to the attention of the PNP Women’s Desk.

Some of the common cases reported are physical abuse of housewives and children, sexual abuse, incest, child labor, abandonment of care and support to children, and discrimination of women.

Such realities in the way women and children are being treated either by their husbands and fathers or employers have to be seriously attended to by our police officers particularly those handling the women’s desk in the local police stations, Tacio said.*(JDP/MBB-PIA CAR,Abra)