After it was pilot-tested in year 2004 in some parts of Region Eight and two other regions, the Rehabilitation Program for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence will soon be expanded to all of the seven cities and six provinces of the region !

Previously, the program was initially implemented in Tacloban City, San Miguel in Leyte, and in Allen in Northern Samar, as far as the region Is concerned, and in Regions V and X, as a response to the increasing number of domestic violence cases nationwide.

The Social Technology Unit of the DSWD Field Office Eight under Lolit Dadap revealed that the Department has seen the need to institutionalize treatment and rehabilitation programs and services for perpetrators of domestic violence. Thus, she added, “we have to advocate the program to other local government units and stakeholders, not only for adoption and institutionalization, but also for the increase of implementers or social workers handling cases of perpetrators.”

On September 19 to 23, the Field Office will sponsor a four – day live – in training on Counselling Services for Rehabilitation of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence, for implementers and key players in the region. The venue will be in Ormoc City.

One of the objectives of the training is to equip participants with gender responsive case management in dealing with perpetrators of domestic violence. “ This is in consideration that violence against women is a manifestation of unequal power relations between men and women, “ DSWD Field Office Eight Director Leticia Diokno stated.

The DSWD Region Eight top official said, “ we must also help the perpetrators in order that the vicious cycle of domestic violence will be stopped. Most of the abusers have been victims of abuse, too.”