Monday, February 06, 2006

Reopening of Crisis Center for Women Underway

The Aklan Provincial government will reopen the Daeangpan it mga Kababayenhan sa Akean, a refuge center for battered women located at DRSTMH compound, Kalibo, Aklan.
Also called the Comprehensive Center for Women of Aklan, the crisis center was closed two years ago after its security guard raped two girl refugees.
Established as part of the implementation of the Gender Code of Aklan, the center provides services such as counseling, health and legal assistance to victims and temporary housing.
“We are going to reopen it to women and child victims of hostility this year. Our provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is closely working with the regional office towards the end,” Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez announced.
The center was made possible through the initiative of former Senator Teresa Aquino Oreta. It serves not only the needs of the women who are victims of violence like rape, incest and seduction in Aklan, but also those of the neighboring provinces of Iloilo, Capiz and Antique.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Iloilo City recommended the temporary closure of the Daeangpan it mga Kababayenhan sa Akean in 2004 after it learned of rape incidents in the center.
In the course of its investigation, DSWD found out that the center had no proper accreditation papers and was manned by non-professional social workers.
A security guard detailed at the center was charged of raping two girl refugees in October 2004.
Advocates of gender and development denounced the incident at the center and demanded a review of the policies, systems and procedures in its operation. /MP

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