In time for the Women’s Month celebration, the Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) again called on the public to report cases of Violence Against Women (VAW).
The IGDD also continues to strengthen its information campaigns on VAW to equip the community with the proper knowledge on what VAW is, what to do when it happens, and how to prevent it from happening.
IGDD Chief Lorna Mandin said during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday that in the fight against VAW, it is important that women become aware of their rights to eradicate the stigma and empower them to report the abuse to the authorities.
“Ang una importante gyud nga maka-realize ang babae nga naa siya’y katungod isip tao kasi daghan man ta cases nga kabalo sila naa ta’y VAWC, kabalo sila naa’y opisina, kabalo sila naa’y VAW desk sa barangay pero mahadlok muduol (Primarily, it is important for women to realize that they have rights because we have a lot of cases wherein they are aware of the existence of VAWC, our office, the barangay VAW desk, but are afraid to report the abuse),” she said.
She added that the fight against VAW starts with having a concept of self-respect and dignity as a person.
Once a woman is aware and fully understands her rights, in the face of abuse or when these rights are violated, they know where to go and what to do.
In 2024, the IGDD recorded 2,386 cases of VAW in the city. A huge number of these cases are economic abuse with 976 cases.
Economic abuse is a form of VAW wherein the spouse withholds financial support, controls finances, or prevents the victim from working.
Mandin said that through the years, economic abuse is the leading form of VAW. This is followed by psychological-emotional abuse, and physical abuse.
The IGDD urges victims to report the abuse to the VAW desk in their barangays to address the case and to ensure that they are protected from their perpetrators.
Mandin also urged the public to report cases of VAWC that they have witnessed in their community regardless of whether or not they are related to the victims. Dabawenyos may reach the IGDD through these numbers: 226-8011 or 241-1000 local 205 or 339. They may also contact the DCR through these numbers: 0917 131 2333 or 0919 072 2222; or send an email through davaocityreports@davaocity.gov.ph; or reach out to the DCR Facebook Page: Davao City Reports. They may also send their reports through the Kean Gabriel Hotline (0908 818 4444). CIO
