DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Wednesday urged all barangays to set up their own violence against women (VAW) desks to help women and children who are victims of sexual violence.
In Memorandum Circular 2023-104, Abalos said provincial, city and municipal local government units (LGUs) are expected to provide technical and financial assistance to barangays, develop and distribute information materials to raise public awareness on VAW and how to report incidents, and seek help and provide recognition and incentives to barangays with exemplary performance in addressing gender-based violence issues.
Abalos said village chairpersons must enact or update an ordinance providing support for the establishment and sustained operations of VAW desk and designate a barangay VAW desk officer trained in handling gender-sensitive cases, preferably a female Sangguniang barangay member or a female barangay tanod (village watchperson).
He said the barangay VAW desk must be within or near the barangay hall or close to the office of the chairperson with necessary resources to assist victim-survivors, such as equipment and supplies for documenting cases and preserving evidence, communication equipment and first aid kit, among others.
Section 9 of Republic Act 9710 or Magna Carta of Women and Section 12 of its implementing rules and regulations mandate all LGUs to establish VAW desks in every barangay to assist VAW victims, respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay and address other forms of abuse committed against women. (PNA)
