The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a referral system that will help child victims of violent crimes under DSWD care receive monetary compensation.
“Child victims of violent crimes often carry invisible scars that are very difficult to heal,” said DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao. “One of the ways to show support for their recovery is by providing monetary compensation that can cover their various expenses for treatment, therapy, legal fees, education, and basic needs.”
Under the new agreement, the DSWD will refer child-victims from its Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) to the DOJ’s Victim Compensation Program (VCP), which grants financial assistance to survivors of violent crimes.
The DOJ’s Bureau of Claims will process and evaluate the claims and may refer additional cases to DSWD for support, particularly those not covered under Republic Act No. 7309, which provides compensation to victims of unjust detention or violent crimes.
The agreement covers child victims of rape, torture, enforced disappearance, trafficking, and online sexual abuse and exploitation, among others. Dumlao said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to help child victims heal and rebuild their lives.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “DSWD, DOJ to set compensation referral system for child victims of violent crimes”
