The last three blogs including this have been outspoken about the Rights of the Child. Maybe because this serve as my outlet to let out my frustrations and shock every time I am out there for case management. Even until now, I become emotional when I recall my experience yesterday (December 1, 2020).
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| "During our home visit and interview with the children for case conference" |
Report after Another
It was just last week when I had a case conference with a female teenager how she was molested by a family member. I saw her tears trickled down her eyes as fear and anxiety reflected on mine. I heard her father, the informant, screamed for justice. Not to mention that it was my 3rd case in a week. I always went out of the room with a heavy heart while reflecting.
"How can these people hurt these children with ease? Why were they even born just to suffer? How can they live in a peaceful world away from harm and abuses?"
I had so many questions on my mind that even if asleep I thought of ways to help. If only I could...
Then, during our Psychological First Aid, the VAWC Desk Officer approached me. I knew it was coming - Another Case.
A Child Case is ALWAYS an Urgent Case
The VAWC Officer shared another case to me. Two children who were physically abused by their mother and stepfather. The statements were enough for me to cringe on my seat as if I was watching a gore movie.
"Gisukmag akong nawng. Gipatiran ko. Naigo akong ulo sa semento." - 13 years old
"Gibunalan kog tubo sa akong luyo." - 10 years old
"Gisukmad kadaghan akong tiyan." - 3 years old
It was at that time when we learned the children were left abandoned by their parents after the barangay blotter. The mother chose to be her husband (their stepfather) leaving her children alone. It was then a question of custody.
A Home Visit
The organization I am in helps the marginalized sector especially the children. So, we decided to visit the children in their home. It was my first time to get to know my barangay in a deeper sense - the winding and narrow alleys in the middle of the city.
Then stood a tiny dilapidated house with two children inside. We were approached by their relatives who also live nearby. The informant (uncle) told us the story - how these children have been battered and abused by their parents ever since.
My heart went heavy again. But with conviction, I am determined to help out and seek justice for these children. They were ought to play, study, and enjoy their rights as children. But they were asked to work and serve their parents. It was totally a sad reality!
Although I spent my holiday somewhere else, I couldn't get away with my work. It affected me but it made me stronger and determined. To introspect, when the light has gone out which left these children abused and battered, I always believe that their is another flicker of light to give hope.
This is such a sad reality for those kids. I hope they can overcome this incident fully. I hope they will receive the love and support they really need.
ReplyDeleteThese children are braver than they thought they are. I'm so glad that more people are like you, Angel, who are willing to help them.
ReplyDeleteI once ask myself why do children needs to face cruelty and violence. When they should be expose of how happy life is. Teens should not suffer from violence for they need to wander and experience how beautiful teenage days is. Thanks to God Anj you are there to save and help them! Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad news to hear. Children and women need a strong protection from this violence. The government and local authorities should strengthen more the law that related to child abuse.
ReplyDeleteOh, Angel! As long as this world has angels like you, these children will always have voices and justice. A child's case is always an urgent case. This is a strong statement and we need to shout this out louder for people at the back to hear. Including them in my prayers, too.
ReplyDeleteWe deserve to be knowledgeable enough to protect children’s rights and how to protect them. These kind of issues has been rampant and should be neglected.
ReplyDelete