There is a downtrend in the cases of violence against children in Western Visayas, according to an official of the Department of Social Welfare.

Social Welfare Officer IV Delia Bacolcol said that as of the third quarter of 2012, there are only 2,158 recorded VAC cases in the region lower compared to 2731 cases last year.

Though there’s a decrease compared to last year, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City still posted with the highest number of VAC cases.

NegOcc now has 623 out of 685 in 2011 while Bacolod has 562 out of 786.

Also posting with the biggest decrease in cases are Iloilo and Aklan. From 667 cases last year, Iloilo now has 474 while Aklan has 52 out of 144.

Among the WV provinces, only Antique and Guimaras posted a slight increase in VAC cases.

From 145 last year, Antique now has 177 while Guimaras increased two cases from 100 last year.

Despite the presence of military camps and rebel groups in some parts of Capiz, Dacolcol said the province posted the least number of VAC cases with only 41.

She added that “Capiz has created various awareness activities spearheaded by their local government units, thus informing the community of their responsibility towards children.”

CASE RESOLUTION

Of the reported cases in 2011, Dacolcol noted that the province of Iloilo posted the highest number of solved cases.

Iloilo solved 542 cases followed by Negros with 209 cases. Following both provinces are Bacolod City with 81 cases solved, Iloilo with 75, Aklan with 66; Guimaras and Antique with 42 and Capiz with nine.

TOP CASES

The report also showed that physical injuries and maltreatment are the most common types of abuse among children with a total of 1,048 cases.

It is followed by rape with 278 cases; violation of RA 7610 or Violence against Women and Children, 273; acts of lasciviousness, 121 and other forms of child abuse, 112.

HOME FOR GIRLS

As of September, there are already 25 girls who sought refuge at the Home for Girls in Cabatuan town.

Home for Girls is a residential institution that provides protection care, treatment and rehabilitation to abused and exploited girls aged three to 18.

Of the 25, 10 were victims of incest, eight are victims of rape and two were physically abused.

Others meanwhile were abandoned, victims of acts of lasciviousness, child labor and children in conflict with the law.*