DSWD sees spike in reports of gender-based violence as positive development in women empowerment

She revealed that the victims, especially those victims of sexual abuse, are determined to pursue criminal cases against their perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Jovelyn Trajano, lead secretariat of DSWD’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women, said they are strengthening the mechanisms to support the victims by providing psychosocial interventions and financial support.

Aside from facilitating counseling, she said they also assist and refer them to the proper agencies to address their issues appropriately.

“Tudloan nato sila asa una mo-adto, unsa ilang katungod,” Trajano said.

(We teach them where to go first and make them aware of their rights.)

Also, part of the interventions is the provision of temporary shelter, such as the Home for Girls and Women, especially for rape victims, while they are undergoing counseling and while their cases are still being processed in court.