SAN JOSE, Antique – Functional VAWC (violence against women and children) Desks in barangays are an essential support system to help women and children victims of violence and abuse, a police official said.
A Barangay VAWC Desk should provide immediate response, said Superintendent Joem Malong, spokeswoman of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
“Often, in far-flung barangays, victims find a hard time to report to the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Malong said.
But with functional VAWC Desks, she said, victims can take refuge with or seek immediate assistance from local authorities, she said.
Malong was in Antique recently as a resource speaker for the “Pool of Speakers Training for the Functionality of Barangay VAWC Desk.”
She discussed the salient features of Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, and the guidelines in setting up VAWC Desks.
Moreover, barangay officials can make the VAWC Desk functional by providing competent members, proper facilities, and enough budget, said Malong.
Addressing violence and abuse at the grassroots level empowers not only women but also entire communities to end them, Malong added.
The PRO-6 encouraged victims to report cases of violence and abuse.
Malong assured that the police’s Women and Children Protection Desks and other stakeholders are willing to help them.
Members of the Technical Working Group of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children and the Provincial Inter-Agency Council for Anti-trafficking and VAWC attended the training.
The activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, was in line with the observance of the 18-day campaign to end VAWC. (With PIA/PN)
