Why more women in Baguio are suffering abuse at home—and why speaking up could save lives

FEATURE

For many women, home is supposed to be the safest place to be.

But for dozens of women in Baguio City, it has become the very place where fear, violence, and trauma occur.

Data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) revealed a troubling reality: of the 62 Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDC) assisted during the first quarter of 2026, 49 experienced abuse inside their own homes. The figure means that nearly eight out of every 10 reported cases happened within what should have been a place of safety and comfort.

The numbers have prompted renewed calls from advocates and government agencies to recognize domestic violence not only as a criminal offense but also as a growing public health issue that affects the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of victims.

Most of the reported cases involved violations of Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. Thirty-five cases involved physical abuse, while 16 involved psychological abuse. Authorities also recorded six rape cases, three cases of acts of lasciviousness, and two violations of the Safe Spaces Act.

Behind every statistic is a woman whose life has been altered by violence.

Some survivors suffer visible injuries. Others endure emotional scars that can last for years.

Experts have long warned that victims of domestic violence are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, trauma, and other long-term health problems. In many cases, the abuse extends beyond the victim and affects children and other family members who witness the violence.

The data also showed that women aged 20 to 29 accounted for the highest number of cases, with 22 victims. This was followed by women aged 30 to 39 with 15 cases and women aged 40 to 49 with 11 cases. Five cases each were recorded among women aged 50 to 59 and those aged 60 and above, while four involved victims aged 19 and below.

Yet one of the most alarming findings was that only 20 of the 62 reported cases have been formally filed against the perpetrators. Forty-two cases remain unfiled, highlighting the challenges many victims face in pursuing justice.

Fear of retaliation, financial dependence, concern for children, shame, social pressure, and emotional attachment to the abuser often prevent victims from reporting incidents or pursuing legal action.

These barriers underscore the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and encouraging victims to seek help early.

Under Philippine law, victims of abuse may report incidents to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), their barangay through the Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, or the nearest police station. Survivors may also seek assistance from the Public Attorney's Office, healthcare providers, and accredited women's shelters and support organizations.

The Philippine Statistics Authority's 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey reported that 15.4 percent of women who had been married at least once experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from an intimate partner.

For advocates, these figures serve as a reminder that domestic violence is not merely a private family matter. It is a community concern, a public health issue, and a violation of human rights.

As more women find the courage to come forward, authorities hope greater awareness, stronger support systems, and timely reporting will help break the cycle of abuse and ensure that homes become places of safety rather than sources of fear.