Joint Solidarity Statement on GBV during COVID-19
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Departmentof Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) strongly condemn all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) during the COVID-19 crisis.
According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey, 3 out of 20 women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while 1 out of 20 have experienced sexual violence. Based on the same report, spousal violence has happened to 1 out of 4 married Filipina. Furthermore, while prevalence of violence against the LGBTQ+ remains undocumented, numerous anecdotal reports demonstrate the gravity of the issue. We are aware that the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine,aimed to reduce transmission of COVID-19,may increase the frequency and severity of violence against these vulnerable populations.
As we call for strict compliance to the Enhanced Community Quarantine, we also urge everyone to be vigilant and immediately report any form of abuse in your homes and communities. We enjoin all GBV response units, Barangay VAW desks, PNP Women’s and LGBTQ+ help desks, and Women and Child Protection Units, to respond quickly and effectively to all reports of GBV, using a survivor-centered approach. We call upon Local Government Units to maintain functional GBV referral mechanisms for efficient response.Most importantly, we urge victims to step forward and seek help.
In the spirit of bayanihan, let us fight gender-based violence. Let us do our part in protecting the lives of every Filipino!
#NoToViolenceStopTheAbuse #SafeAtHome #JuanaSaPanahonNgCorona
For reports and any assistance, please refer to the following:
POLICE/INVESTIGATION ASSISTANCE
PNP Hotline: 177
Aleng Pulis Hotline: 0919 777 7377
PNP Women and Children Protection Center
24/7 AVAWCD Office: (02) 8532-6690
Email address: wcpc_pnp@yahoo.com / wcpc_vawcd@yahoo.com / avawcd.wcpc@pnp.gov.ph
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Public Attorney’s Office(PAO)
Hotline: (02) 8929-9436 local 106, 107, or 159 (local “0” for operator)
(+62) 9393233665
Email address: pao_executive@yahoo.com
REFERRAL SERVICES
Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their
Children
Mobile numbers: 09178671907 | 09178748961
Email address: iacvawc@pcw.gov.ph
DIRECTORY OF BARANGAY OFFICIALS
https://www.dilg.gov.ph/barangay-officials-directory/search
