The Quezon City government has established the country’s first-ever unified database of violence against women and children (VAWC) cases reported in barangays, city hall, and women and children’s desks in police stations to track and hasten the processing of gender-based violence cases.
The city’s Gender and Development Council yesterday spearheaded the launch of the Gender and Development Integrated Management Information System or “QC VAW Centralized Databank System” to be used by the VAWC desk officers in the city’s 142 villages, police stations and GAD Council.
The project launch also serves as the culmination activity of the city’s commemoration of the 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women.
The mayor earlier expressed concern over the rising cases of reported VAWC in the city, as reported by QC Police District Director Gen. Antonio Yarra in September 2021.
According to Quezon City Police District chief, Antonio Yarra, there has been a 66.67 percent increase in VAWC cases and a 21.54 percent increase in rape cases for the first eight months of the year compared to the same period last year.
Most of the recorded cases were of physical abuse and psychological abuse. It was also noted that the pandemic played a significant role in the upward trend of VAWC cases, he said.
The QCPD, QC Protection Center, and Gender and Development office have been tasked to monitor and act swiftly on calls and reports pertaining to VAWC and other gender-based incidents.
QCitizens, especially victims of gender-based abuse, must seek help through various government programs.