An elderly man was arrested in Caloocan for beating up his 78-year-old wife last December 13.
Tempo reports that the man, identified as Ponciana Olquino, had been spraying water with a garden hose in their house when his wife Claudia reminded him not to waste water.
He reportedly “mauled her” and a fight between them ensued. He then started hitting her with a garden hose and punching her several times.
As soon as the couple’s son, along with two barangay tanods arrived, Olquino was stopped from beating his wife.
He was then turned over by barangay officials to the police for arrest. Claudia revealed that the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband has been going on for five years.
Elderly domestic abuse
Cases of elderly domestic abuse and neglect are not uncommon in the Philippines.
Sadly, there are not enough laws to protect the elderly from all forms of domestic abuse, usually inflicted upon them by younger family members.
According to the World Health Organization, elderly domestic abuse is “a violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, injury, loss of productivity, isolation, and despair.”
If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, there are places from which you can get the help you need.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
The Social Protection Bureau
Batasan Complex, Constitution Hills, Q.C.
(02) 931-81-01 or (02) 932-25-73
Women Crisis Center (WCC)
7/F East Avenue Medical Center
East Avenue, Quezon City
(02) 926-77-44
wccphil@pworld.net.ph
PNP-Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)
Camp Crame, Quezon City
410-32-13
NBI-Violence Against Women and Children Desk (VAWCD)
Taft Avenue, Manila
(02) 523-8231 to 38 or 525-60-28
READ: My daughter gave me the courage to get out of an abusive relationship
photo: dreamstime
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