PSA: 18 in 100 W. Visayas women report abuse

By Mariela Angella Oladive

About 18 out of every 100 women in Western Visayas who have ever had a husband or intimate partner experienced emotional, physical or sexual violence, according to results of the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey presented May 26.

Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VI Statistical Analyst Nerissa L. Campaniel said 18.3% of women ages 15 to 49 in the region reported domestic violence in 2025, placing Western Visayas seventh nationwide.

Caraga recorded the highest incidence at 24%, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the lowest at 3.2%.

Campaniel said domestic violence may be emotional, physical or sexual.

Emotional violence includes humiliation, threats, insults, controlling money or property, and restricting women from working or practicing their profession.

Physical violence includes slapping, punching, kicking, choking or attacks using weapons.

Sexual violence involves forced sexual intercourse or other sexual acts.

Survey results showed emotional violence remained the most prevalent form of abuse in Western Visayas, although cases declined from 18% in 2022 to 15.9% in 2025.

Physical violence increased from 6.7% in 2022 to 8.1% in 2025.

Sexual violence also rose from 2.5% to 3.1% over the same period.

Despite the increases in physical and sexual violence, the overall prevalence of domestic violence in the region declined from 20.4% in 2022.

In her response message, Police Capt. Merry Chris D. Dela Cruz, chief of the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk of Police Regional Office 6, said the figures show the need to strengthen protection and support mechanisms for women and survivors of abuse.

“These are not just numbers — the data reveals a critical reality,” Dela Cruz said.

She expressed concern over the rise in physical and sexual violence, saying many cases remain unreported despite incidents already reaching police authorities.

“Violence inside the home is never private. It is a crime, a violation of human rights, and a threat to public safety and order,” she stressed.

Dela Cruz said the Philippine National Police continues to conduct proactive measures at the barangay level.

She said the initiatives target vulnerable sectors, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, women and men through community-based symposiums and orientation programs.

Responding to questions from the media, Dela Cruz said authorities are exploring partnerships with churches and other agencies to strengthen awareness campaigns.

She said one possible initiative is the integration of orientations on laws protecting women before marriage.

The Philippines’ Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, or Republic Act 9262, penalizes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse committed against women and their children by spouses, former spouses, or persons with whom they have or had a sexual or dating relationship.

Meanwhile, John Paul L. Gito, senior statistical specialist of the PSA Statistical Services Specialist Section-Demographic and Health Statistics Division, said the NDHS also gathered data on domestic violence by religion.

Gito said Aglipay recorded the highest prevalence nationwide at 23.1%, followed by Protestants at 17.1% and Roman Catholics at 15.6%.

He said the three religious groups account for a significant share of reported domestic violence cases nationwide.

Gito said the data highlight the potential role of churches and faith-based organizations in strengthening awareness campaigns and discussions on violence against women through symposiums and community activities.

The 2025 NDHS regional dissemination forum gathered government agencies and stakeholders to discuss key health and social indicators in Western Visayas.