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Refreshing Your Health
MAKE YOUR HOME A SAFE HAVEN • Types of abuse • What can you do? • Is your coworker being abused?
Make your home a safe haven HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR HOME A DOMICILE OF SECURITY, AND NOT A WAR ZONE? The world can be a scary place, and so most of us turn to our homes for security and safety. But what if your home is a scarier place? Where then do you turn to?
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Violence towards women and children remain a prevalent problem in the Philippines. Available surveys reveal that one in every five Filipino women aged 15 to 49 has suffered from violence. In addition, almost half of these violent acts occur at home, under the hands of the spouse.
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Children are also vulnerable. One in every
The law includes the following
five female children and one in every 13
kinds of violence:
male children have experienced abuse. Also,
IS YOUR COWORKER BEING ABUSED?
the more children there are in the family, the higher is the risk that one or more child suffers
• Physical violence - refers to acts that
from violence.
include bodily or physical harm, injury or
discomfort. This could include slapping,
kicking, restraining, hitting, and choking.
Types of abuse Abuse against women and children is not a domestic issue: it is a crime, punishable by law. Republic Act No. 9262, known as “The Anti-Violence against Women and their Chil-
• Sexual violence - refers to an act which
is sexual in nature, committed against a
woman or her child.
dren Act of 2004” defines violence against
• Psychological violence - refers to acts
women and their children as:
or omissions causing or likely to cause
mental or emotional suffering of the
victim such as intimidation, harassment,
stalking, damage to property, public
ridicule or humiliation, repeated verbal
abuse and marital infidelity.
“Any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or il-
• Economic abuse - refers to acts that
Here are some warning signs that
legitimate, within or without the family abode,
make or attempt to make a woman
someone is being abused:
which result in or is likely to result in physi-
financially dependent. This includes
cal, sexual, psychological harm or suffering,
withdrawal of financial support,
• Bruises that look like they came
or economic abuse including threats of such
preventing the victim from employment
from choking, punching, or being
acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or
or business, destruction of household
thrown down. Examples include
arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”
property, and control of money.
black eyes, marks around the neck, and sprained wrists or marks around the wrists. • Attempting to hide bruises with makeup or clothing. • Making excuses when confronted about the injury. • Having to ask permission to meet, talk with, or do things with other people. • Having little money available. • Suffers from ridicule or threats from the partner. If you know a worker who could be a victim of abuse, talk to your human resources department.
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The impact of domestic violence goes beyond
you have every right to protect your safety
• Document all forms of violence through
the victim. It also affects the rest of the family.
and the safety of your children.
a diary or recordings, doctor’s
1. Seek assistance from professionals.
prescriptions or certificates, and
These professionals could include
police statements.
counsellors, social workers, women’s
3. Call the police or a barangay official.
rights advocates, child protection
They can also help you get a protection
advocates, and clergy and religious
order against the offender.
leaders, who can help you decide
on next steps. Seek also legal advice,
when needed.
2. Make your own emergency plan.
This plan can help you escape from a
are more likely to:
violent environment. This includes
• Be abused as well
• Identifying a circle of friends who can
offer financial, emotional and practical
help when you decide to leave. Look
also for shelters you can hide in.
Children exposed to violence in the home
• Not receive healthcare • Have behavioral, emotional, and
schooling problems
• Have a suitcase with clothes and
• Smoke, use alcohol and drugs, and
necessities so you can quickly leave
home in a hurry, when needed. Keep
the suitcase well hidden, but still
accessible, place in the house.
have unprotected sex later in life.
What can you do?
4. If you are in immediate danger, stay
away from dangerous places in the
home. These included places where you
could become trapped (e.g., the
bathroom, closets, etc.), or places where
there are dangerous items, such as the
kitchen. Find a room with a door or
window through which you can escape.
5. Don’t travel alone; ask a trusted person
to accompany you when outdoors.
6. Alert your employer and your children’s school. Make sure they keep your
private details and contact information
confidential.
Remember that violence against women and
• Make sure important official documents
7. If you do decide to stay with your
children is NEVER acceptable, even if you
are on hand. This includes your pass-
partner, make sure he has been able
have an intimate relationship with your abus-
port, marriage certificate, the children’s
to address his behavior (e.g., completed
er. Abuse is always the choice of the abuser.
birth certificates, bank cards and
an anger management program or
You become the victim of a crime. Therefore,
statements and diplomas.
counselling).
Helping Your People in the Path to Progress Benefits Made Better Email us at inquiries@activelinkbenefits.com or call us at 8174606, and let us know when we can share our strategy. Let us help you make your benefits better!
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2015 ActiveLink
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A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD