Social workers debrief girl who stabbed pa to defend mother

Social workers are exploring the possibility of relocating the family of the 11 year-old girl who killed her father in a flareup of domestic violence in Argao town, Cebu.

“Going back to Masbate is an option. If we assess that their relatives there are capable of supporting the mother and the children, then we can assist in transferring them there,” Protection Services Unit (PSU) of DSWD 7 chief Shalaine Marie Lucero told Cebu Daily News.

The girl, who stabbed her father to stop him from further beating up her mother, underwent a debriefing session yesterday with social workers of the Department of Social Work and Development.

Social workers Clavell Saycon and Loida Makiling were sent to Argao town to asses the child and remaining family members involved.

The girl had watched her parents fight, and could not stand by when her father clubbed her mother on the head with a piece of wood.

The girl’s father was still able to run after the stabbing but was found dead about 100 meters away from their house.

“Aside from debriefing, the child will be referred to a psychologist for further assessment and intervention to make sure the child continues to function normally in the community,” DSWD 7 child and youth welfare program specialist Emma Patalinghug said.

Due to her minor age, the child is not criminally liable as provided by the Juvenile Justice Law.

Lucero said it’s difficult to say how long it would take for the child or her mother to recover from the trauma.

“As of the moment, we do not know how long it will take because it depends on the assessment of the psychologist,” Lucero said.

The official said the killing was an “isolated case”.

Lucero said the DSWD is urging the barangay council for the protection of children and women to be active in their accommunity by having regular meetings and addressing cases of domestic violence.

The concept of leaving it as a private “family matter” to handle does not apply when violence is involved.

“These are matters that concern the community,” she said.