Slap, Kick, Shout and Stab

     

      Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently reported to have helped 3,471 women in especially difficult circumstance (WEDC). Many of them suffered physical injuries totaling 1,091 cases. And according to ABS-CBN, 7 out of 10 learners in public schools are victims of violence (abs-cbs.com.)

             

          Domestic violence has been an issue feared to be discussed by our somewhat conservative society. There were even instances that some women consider wife-beating as a norm in a married life.

            

           Students, especially those who come from dysfunctional families, would often inflict violence and become bullies to other learners. The “different” brood of learners is often the victims of their outbursts.

              

                But when communication technology became pervasive, the knowledge on the evils of violence against women and bullying became pressing issues in the workplace, schools, homes and generally the society. R.A. 9262 a.k.a. Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 and recently R.A. 10627, Bullying Prevention Act in Schools became the legal bases of the prevention of the thriving of such evil.

           

             For years now, I have been doing Anti-VAWC campaigns. I was able to stage two dance recitals focusing on the theme. I often inject this theme even to the pieces I choreographed which were showcased in the National Arts Festival sponsored by the Department of Education. But then, some audiences still like to laugh rather than to think. There was even a feedback that the dances looked “heavy”. Of course, violence is depressing not entertaining. But dance as an art form could also be a medium of that social issue…

             

                  My thesis in graduate school was on the viability of the implementation of Anti-VAWC activities in the secondary schools of two clusters. The result showed that there are minimal activities done by the schools to address violence against women and children…

             

                 I recently finished reading Nicholas Sparks’ “Safe Haven”. I read the book for one day even if my eyes are blurry nowadays. The focus is on a woman’s struggle to live her life away from a violent marriage only to be hunted by the culprit. Physical, psychological, sexual and economic abuses were graphically described in the book I was able to empathize on the pain Katie experienced. Sparks was able to give hints on the cause of Kevin’s anger but then again, violence is not just understood but stopped.

            

                I guess most of the kids were bullied when they were young. I experienced that as well. But I have always been someone who would try to dig deeper. Of course I got hurt but I remembered asking all the while: What made them do such things? Eventually, I got the answers in psychology classes I attended and books I read. Most of my childhood bullies are still in the dark of who they are supposed to be.

            

           In the end, it would be peace and harmony that we would like to have in this life. The violent persons will continue to be there as long as violence breeds in the family. Let us make concerted efforts to stop making violence a culture in our homes.

(photo: tayloredreviews.wordpress.com)