The Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) recorded more than 200 cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) for the months of January and February 2024.
During the PEP Talks forum on Feb. 27, Reina Grace Ureta, IGDD Development Management officer, said common cases include, insufficient and irregular economic support, economic abuse, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse among women and children.
Ureta noted the increase of cases were attributed to the higher level of awareness in women, as well as local government unit’s strengthening of the advocacy called Gender Sensitivity Training.
“The increasing numbers of VAWC cases in Davao City is because of the advocacy. Lahat din ng barangays, they have conducted Gender Sensitivity Trainings, so that’s why marami na ang nag-rereport ng VAW cases,” Ureta said.
In 2023, IGDD recorded a total of 2,707 reported cases of VAWC, 68.86% higher than their 1,864 record last 2022.
Ureta said among the cases, only 5% were legally filed and pursued due to women’s concern on their finances. However, she stressed that all VAWC related cases can avail of the city’s legal services.
“Although our legal services are free, syempre it does not include their follow-ups, ‘yung mga pang-araw-araw na gastos sa court, so mahirapan sila especially on their transportation,” she added.
For cases which involve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Ureta urged the public to report and comply with the necessary information. She also said they are in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration if ever such a situation arises.
In line with the women’s month celebration, IGDD will conduct Women Summit 2024 with the theme, “Kababainhan, Kusganong Ipadayag ang Kakayahan Taliwala sa Hulga sa Panahon,” focusing on women’s resilience in times of disasters, held on March 4 at Grand Men Seng Hotel.. All women leaders are expected to grace the event such as barangay council for women, female barangay captains, and some of national and local, women councilors, among others.
