Empathetic responses and gender sensitivity in combating violence against women and children: A qualitative study on female police officers’ experiences
Jimmy G. Artus Jr., Maria Teresa T. Somcio & Kyzel Mae Gonzaludo
Abstract
Violence against women and children (VAWC) is a pervasive global issue affecting individuals, families, and communities through physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Investigators in the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) face unique challenges in ensuring survivor safety while holding perpetrators accountable. This study explored the experiences of female police officers, focusing on the challenges they encounter, the coping strategies they employ, and the ways these experiences shape their ability to support victims. Data analysis revealed six emergent themes: Empathetic Responses and Gender Sensitivity; Overcoming Barriers in Victim Cooperation and Societal Stigma; Managing Emotional Resilience; Utilizing Coping Mechanisms; Overcoming Reluctance and Building Trust in Supporting Victims; and Empowering Through Comprehensive Support. Findings highlight the critical role of female officers in providing compassionate assistance despite challenges, such as victims’ reluctance to pursue legal action or forgive abusers. Emotional resilience and coping strategies, including peer support networks and solution-focused approaches, are essential for officers to manage the emotional demands of their work. Based on these insights, it is recommended that the Philippine National Police implement comprehensive training on empathy, gender sensitivity, effective communication, and confidentiality, and provide counseling and emotional support resources. These measures aim to strengthen officers’ capacity, support victim protection, and enhance community trust in VAWC interventions.
Keywords
challenges, coping mechanism, support, experiences, female police officer
Author information & Contribution
Jimmy G. Artus Jr. Corresponding author. Master of Science in Criminology. Faculty Member, College of Criminal Justice Education, STI West Negros University. Email: jimmy.artus@wnu.sti.edu.ph
Maria Teresa T. Somcio. LPT, Juris Doctor. Faculty Member, College of Criminal Justice Education, STI West Negros University. Email: tesstalavera1063@gmail.com
Kyzel Mae Gonzaludo. Bachelor of Science in Criminology. Alumni, College of Criminal Justice Education, STI West Negros University. Email: kyzelg@gmail.com
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work is funded by STI West Negros University and APC for opportunity to publish this research.
AI Declaration
The author declares the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the author used AI tools, such as ChaGPT for correcting sentence construction, grammar, and syntax, and Grammarly for thorough grammar checks, have been employed to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the content. The author takes full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of contents generated using AI.
Notes
*This paper is presented at the 6th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Industry and Academic Research (ICMIAR)-2025
Acknowledgement
The researchers extend their gratitude to STI West Negros University for providing the financial assistance that supported the presentation of this study and to the Female Police Officers assigned to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Police Stations 1, 4, 6, and 7, for their cooperation and participation in this research.
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Cite this article:
Artus, J.G., Somcio, M.T.T. & Gonzaludo, K.M. (2025). Empathetic responses and gender sensitivity in combating violence against women and children: A qualitative study on female police officers' experiences. Industry and Academic Research Review, 3(1), 144-161. https://doi.org/10.53378/iarr.190
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