MANILA, Philippines – As the country marks National Women’s Month this March, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is urging the public to report cases of violence against women and children (VAWC), gender-based violence (GBV), and other forms of abuse witnessed or experienced in homes and communities.

“Women should never feel alone in their struggle against abuse, and they should know that they have the right to live a life free from violence. We encourage women to reach out, report cases of violence, and access the services available to them because VAWC is a crime,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said Wednesday.

The public may report VAWC cases to the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Makabata Helpline, or the nearest Barangay VAW Desk.

In 2024, the DSWD served 1,069 victim-survivors of VAWC and other forms of abuse nationwide through its community-based programs and services.

“The fight against violence must be a collective effort, and we urge the public to stand together and break the culture of silence to better protect all women and their children,” Dumlao said.

As part of this year’s Women’s Month sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,”the DSWD, as chair of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), is encouraging victim-survivors to seek help and access available services.

Dumlao also said that the DSWD provides comprehensive social protection packages through its centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) to victim-survivors of domestic violence and GBV, including their children and dependents.

These services include healing and rehabilitation, group life and home care, health and nutrition, and productivity skills training. Additional interventions focus on restoring the social functioning of victim-survivors by providing basic needs, health services, and vocational counseling.

“We provide financial, medical, and educational assistance; psychosocial counseling; and referrals to other concerned institutions such as the PAO,” Dumlao said.

The agency also works with local government units (LGUs) and partners to ensure effective implementation of social welfare services and women’s welfare programs.

“Through collective action, the DSWD aims to create safer spaces for women and ensure that the rights of every woman and child are respected, protected, and upheld,” Dumlao added.

Under Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004, VAWC is defined as any act committed against a woman by her spouse, former spouse, or someone with whom she has had a sexual or dating relationship, or a common child. The law covers physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, including threats, battery, assault, coercion, harassment, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.