In celebration of Women’s Month, I invited Judge Mia Joy C. Oallares-Cawed, presiding judge of RTC Branch 4, one of the designated Family Courts in the city of Baguio, to grace The Law Will Get You Through with her presence.
Our enlightening discussion last March 16, 2025 focused on the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the Cordillera region, revealing alarming statistics.
The data provided by Judge Cawed offers valuable insights into the prevalence of GBV cases in the region, including Baguio. The number of VAWC cases in the city has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 28 cases in 2020 during the pandemic and a low of 11 cases in 2022 during the post-pandemic transition.
There has been a slight increase in VAWC cases from 2022 (11 cases) to 2023 (12 cases) and 2024 (15 cases). As for rape cases, the number of filed cases has likewise varied significantly over the years, with a peak of 18 cases in 2022 and a low of two cases in 2021. It is notable that there has been a decrease in rape cases from 2022 (18 cases) to 2023 (10 cases) and 2024 (11 cases).
However, since these cases are only from RTC 4, we can safely assume that the actual number of cases handled is significantly higher.
As emphasized by Judge Cawed during the interview, Baguio City has two family courts with similar caseloads and one Statutory Court handling twice the number of cases as that of a designated family court; hence, the total number of cases could be four times higher than what’s reported for RTC 4 alone. This multiplier effect gives us a more comprehensive understanding of the scope of gender-based violence cases in Baguio City.
Of the cases filed before RTC 4, Judge Cawed shed light on the outcomes of cases and she highlighted that many perpetrators were successfully convicted, bringing justice to the victims, while some perpetrators were acquitted due to various challenges in meeting the required standard of proof.
Some were acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, or the identity of the perpetrator was not sufficiently established.
More interestingly, Judge Cawed shed light on the complex realities of VAWC cases, highlighting the challenges posed by economic dependence. She stressed the paradox of economic dependence where victims of VAWC often find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse, with economic dependence on the perpetrator being the primary factor.
many VAWC cases were dismissed because the victims themselves retracted their statements, mainly because they are totally dependent on the perpetrator for financial support
According to her, many VAWC cases were dismissed because the victims themselves retracted their statements, mainly because they are totally dependent on the perpetrator for financial support. That because the victim is financially dependent on the abuser, she would rather retract from testifying and would even be the one to post bail for the latter’s release.
Oftentimes, this phenomenon leads to a deeper cycle of abuse, where victims are trapped in a pattern of violence and manipulation.
Indeed, the unfortunate reality is that women often find themselves trapped in abusive relationships due to their deep love and devotion to their partners or husbands, and children, as the case may be. This profound emotional investment can make it incredibly challenging for women to escape the cycle of abuse.
Judge Cawed urges women to boldly come forward, break the silence and fight for their rights, and refuse to tolerate any form of abuse. In her court, she emphasizes her commitment to supporting VAWC victims through a collaborative approach. She has close collaboration with law enforcement to ensure effective investigation and prosecution. She also maintains good partnerships with social workers, providing access to counseling, transportation, livelihood, and other support services.
She also coordinates with different government agencies having economic empowerment programs, and supporting victims in gaining financial independence.
Her court also provides comprehensive support services like legal aid and protection, so victims’ rights are protected and their voices are heard. Towards this end, she issues protection orders proactively to safeguard victims from further harm.
It is likewise the practice of her court to issue provisional dismissal over cases, when warranted by the circumstances, while maintaining a watchful eye, ensuring victim safety and well-being.
A champion of women’s and children’s rights, Judge Mia Cawed has dedicated her career to protecting the vulnerable and promoting justice. Her tireless efforts have inspired countless women to break their silence, reclaim their rights in asserting their dignity and worth, build a brighter future, and a safer and more equitable world for themselves and their children.
In a powerful concluding statement, Judge Cawed urged women to prioritize self-love, emphasizing that self-love is liberation. Loving oneself is the first step towards freedom and empowerment.
Also, self-worth is essential, recognizing one’s own value and dignity is crucial for breaking free from abusive relationships. To all women, she stressed: “Nobody could love us better than we could love ourselves.”
Judge Cawed also appealed to men, stressing that men must recognize their role in perpetuating violence against women and should take responsibility for changing their behavior. Judge Cawed emphasized that men should prioritize loving and respecting women, rather than inflicting harm and abuse.
She poignantly highlighted that women often endure abuse because of their profound love and devotion to their partners. This selfless love should be cherished and valued by their partners, rather than exploited and taken advantage of.
In essence, men should recognize the immense worth of their partner’s love and devotion, and respond with unwavering respect, unconditional love, and unshakable support.
Healthy relationships are built on mutual love, trust and respect.
Atty. Balungay’s podcast, “The Law Will Get You Through,” airs every third Sunday of the month at 7 PM on Baguio Chronicle’s official Facebook Page and on YouTube.
