In observance of the National Women’s Month this March, the Department of Social Welfare and Development renewed its call to the public to report cases of violence against women and children (VAWC), gender-based violence (GBV), and other forms of abuse that they may have witnesses or experienced within their homes and communities.
“Women should never feel alone in their struggle against abuse, and they should know that they have the right to live a life free from violence. We encourage women to reach out, report cases of violence, and access the services available to them because VAWC is a crime,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
The public may report cases of VAWC to the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Public Attorney’s Office, Council for the Welfare of Children Makabata Helpline, or to the nearest Barangay VAW Desk in their areas.
In 2024, a total of 1,069 victim-survivors of VAWC and other forms of abuse against women were reported and served by the DSWD nationwide through its community-based programs and services.
“The fight against violence must be a collective effort, and we urge the public to stand together and break the culture of silence to better protect all women and their children,” Dumlao said.
As part of this year’s sub-theme for the National Women’s Month, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the DSWD, as the chair of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), is encouraging VAWC victim-survivors to seek assistance in gaining access to the services they need.
Dumlao said the DSWD, through its centers and residential care facilities, provides comprehensive social protection packages to victim-survivors of domestic violence, GBV, as well as their children and dependents.
These interventions include healing and rehabilitation; group life and home care; health and nutrition; and productivity skills training.
Other services focus on the restoration of the social functioning of VAWC victim-survivors, as well as the provision of basic needs, health services, and vocational counseling.
“We provide financial, medical, and educational assistance; psychosocial counseling: and referrals to other concerned institutions such as the PAO,” she said.
The DSWD also provides technical assistance to local government units and other partners for the effective implementation of social welfare and development services as women welfare programs fall under their mandate.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “DSWD raises anti-VAWC campaign as nation observes Women’s Month.”