TARLAC CITY — Violence Against Women desks are set to be put up in barangay halls in Central Luzon by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The initiative is part of the 18-day VAW Campaign to end physical, emotional, and sexual abuses to women and girls.
DSWD regional information officer Reiner Grospe said cases of violence typically occur in small communities per studies of the Philippine Commission on Women.
“We need to strengthen the campaign down to the barangay level, thus, putting up the desks to make it accessible for women and girls to voice out their concerns,” Grospe said.
Aside from the VAW desks, concerned women and girls may also speak out by messaging the official Facebook page of DSWD Field Office 3 at facebook.com/dswdfo3.
“There’s no need to worry sending reports via our Facebook page because we keep them confidential and our social workers will address your concerns and personally come to rescue you,” he said.
Financial, food, and medical assistance are also given to rescued abused women and girls.
In coordination with local government units, DSWD will likewise look for a temporary shelter for the victims and link them to public authorities for legal assistance.
In line with this, DSWD has ongoing webinars on VAW Campaign streamed through their social media page.
Grospe assured that DSWD continues to perform its mandate to address people’s concerns in different areas. “DSWD guarantees to provide various programs and services for those who are in need especially those greatly affected by the typhoon or the pandemic,” he said. — Gabriela Liana Barela/PIA–3
