In a bid to ensure the safety and security of women and children in the city, the City Government of Davao continues to strictly implement laws protecting women and children from violence.
Programs and initiatives that combat violence against women and children (VAWC) are being conducted through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
The CSWDO conducts capacity-building activities and seminars to inform women of their rights and the services available for them.
Women are informed of where they can go in the event that they are subjected to any form of violence.
A VAW desk office is also available in every barangay which caters to victims of VAWC.
A Barangay Protection Order, which prohibits the perpetrator from approaching anywhere near the victim, is also immediately released by the barangay VAW desk for victims of physical abuse.
Women who have experienced any form of violence are urged to report their situation to the barangay, the CSWDO, the Integrated Gender and Development Division, and other authorities.
“Kinsa man ‘tong nakasinati karon og pagpangabuso nga dili mahadlok, naa mo’y kaduolan nga pwede ninyo didto mareport ang inyohang nasinati karon nga pagpangabuso (Those who experience any form of violence should not be afraid, there are agencies who can help you, agencies where you can report the violence you experienced),” Juenalyn Pablo, CSWDO Buhangin A District Head, said in an interview with city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio.
“Dili nato hulaton nga naa’y mawad-an og kinabuhi tungod kay wala ‘ta nisumbong or wala ta nipadayag kung unsa diay ang atoang tinuod nga kahimtang sa atoang panimalay (Let’s not wait to lose another life just because we did not report the violence we are really experiencing in our households),” she added.
The CSWDO also continues to conduct campaigns in schools to inform children of their rights, of the nature of safe and unsafe touches, and of the agencies that they can go to should they be subjected to abuse.
Victims of any form of violence may go to the VAW desk in their barangays or to the CSWDO. They may also contact the Kean Gabriel Hotline at 09088184444, or go to the IGGD Office located at the mezzanine of the City Hall of Davao. CIO
