A whole of nation approach for our children

The Presidential Communications Office has reported that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will capacitate the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks to improve the handling of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) cases in barangays. For those who are not too familiar with the VAWC help desk, it is basically an area found within the barangay hall composed of certain fixtures that of course include a desk but also, and more importantly, a log book for purposes of record keeping of cases. In every VAWC area or help desk, an officer appointed by the punong barangay is available to assist victims in securing a Barangay Protection Order (BPO) as well as assist them in the necessary services required.

Not too long ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to strengthen programs on violence against women and children and also paid special attention to solo parents who have been separated due to violence. At the same time, First Lady Liza Marcos also lent her voice to the elimination of violence against women, giving emphasis to the crucial role women play in society. Most recently, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin  “Benhur” Abalos Jr. expressed to the public the President’s concern on the importance of having a safe place to run to for the most vulnerable of people – our children. This explains why the agency is committed to capacitating VAWC help desks that will soon be included as part of the seal of good local governance.

In addition to capacitating the VAWC help desks in barangays, the DILG will also mandate the conduct of seminars by putting the necessary parameters as seen fit in the entire Philippines. As for barangay officials who will be proven to be negligent of their duties, Secretary Abalos said that there will be an ongoing capacity building that will focus on them. Administrative cases would also be subsequently filed against such negligent officials.

On a personal note, I commend the efforts of the government in ensuring that children have a safe place to go to during a crisis and that those who are placed in such a role to help victims are equipped to handle very difficult situations, most especially when it comes to dealing with minors. VAWC desks must demonstrate a survivor-centered attitude as well as survivor-centered skills when dealing with VAWC survivors and at the same time highlight first and foremost that the safety of the victim is secured as well as given the assurance that they and their families will be provided with the best possible protection where everything is kept confidential. A whole of nation approach for our children who fall victim to abuse and neglect ensures that when it comes to government accountability, participants are fully equipped to handle the situation appropriately and effectively without any additional burden to the child.

Last Tuesday, President Bongbong Marcos met with government agencies where a comprehensive action plan was presented to combat OSAEC as well as child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM). Secretary Abalos also warned barangay officials that they should not allow any settlement of alleged cases of OSAEC. Meanwhile, Department of Justice ( DOJ ) spokesperson Mico Clavano said that barangay officials who allow perpetrators to settle with their victims would have to face serious violations under RA 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC Law. He also warned that the heaviest punishment would be life imprisonment.

At the end of the day, it must be remembered that the  VAWC desk is the first line of defense against their oppressors in terms of very private situations. It must also be remembered that VAWC chooses no time or place and when it comes to abuse, we should never forget that it takes a lot of courage to come forward with the truth. While our government is instituting the right approach to the delicate issues that deal with violence, we must also do our part as civic society to protect the most vulnerable from grave threat and harm.