Woman judge speaks on rights of women
JUDGE Caridad Galvez, a family court judge at Branch 43 of the Regional Trial Court, called on women who are victims of violence and other crimes to come out and seek help from their family, friends or government institutions as they seek the prosecution of perpetrators.
“If you don’t act upon the commission of violence… if you condone this act, more women will suffer,” Galvez said during the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children forum held March 23 in Dagupan as part of the city government’s observance of Women’s Month.
The forum, attended by the women employees of the city hall, was held to make them more aware of their rights as women, wives, and mothers to their children.
Galvez also underscored that while the Civil Code requires married couple to show proof of effort for reconciliation before any annulment or legal separation cases can proceed, this will not apply in cases of violence against women.
“Cases of violence against women are not supposed to be subject to mediation… It is prohibited to compel the parties to settle their problems,” she said, citing Republic Act 9262 or An Act Defining Violence Against Women and their Children.
Stressing the contrast between the Civil Code and R.A. 9262, Galvez said, “This is different. A woman does not deserve to be abused physically, emotionally or economically (insufficient or lack of financial support for the family). When such cases are brought to court, I’m sure there is nothing else to be settled.”
“The law gives protection and recognizes the dignity of women. They are not supposed to be abused. They are entitled to be respected, loved and to feel safe whether inside or outside their homes,” the judge said.
The judge also noted that the country still needs more laws on women’s rights and gender equality despite several existing laws, including the Anti-Human Trafficking, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, and the Anti-Rape Law.
She also expressed hope that the declaration of nullity of marriage be given more grounds other than psychological incapacity. (PIA-Pangasinan/ Alex Fernandez)
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