CITY Council's social services committee chair Councilor Girlie Balaba early last week said free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, and children in conflict with the law will be provided soon.

“Women who are experiencing abuse from their husband or partner can soon avail of free legal counseling,” said Balaba.

During the kickoff of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on November 25, Balaba said a victim of domestic violence may avail of the service of the PAO in filing an application or petition for the protection order and/or civil action for damages

Accordingly, the PAO provides legal assistance to children in conflict with the law if they are under detention or otherwise deprived of liberty, and is in immediate need of counsel, and when they are under custodial investigation without the assistance of counsel.

She said that the rights of women and children are promoted and upheld at all times even as she vowed that they will “get the justice due them at no cost.

Balaba is pushing for free legal counseling for women since there are many cases of abuse that they encounter. It can be physical, emotional, or financially abused by their husband or partner, which is something that free special counseling can look into.

She added that PAO, which provides free legal assistance, prioritizes indigent individuals, while there are abused women who have careers but yet cannot afford to pay for legal assistance.

"Kung kita magtinabangay, magkahiusa, ug atoa gyud lantawon ang welfare sa atong mga kababaihan, we can protect them, we can promote the rights sa atong mga kababaihan. I am sure nga ang atoang siyudad mas mulambo pa kay matagaan nato sila og confidence para maka-contribute sa productivity and progress sa atoang siyudad," she said. 

(We can protect and promote women's rights if we work together to look after their well-being. In this way, they will be productive in their lives, and we can assure the progress of our city through their contribution)

The campaign, which was led by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking, Violence Against Women and Children, and Anti-Child Pornography (RIACAT-VAWC-ACP)-10, seeks to eradicate violence against women. 

Several activities were lined up relating to the campaign, such as an on-site visit at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and a group discussion of the service providers in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City. The campaign will culminate on December 12, 2022.