As cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) continue to rise in the country amid the continued quarantine, Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles urged the government to “be a much more visible and reassuring presence” for victims.
According to reports, the country’s VAWC cases rose to 4,260 last June 11 from 3,699 recorded cases in June 4.
“The government has to be the face of compassion in this instance.”
“We understand that our resources are already stretched, but the government has a sacred duty to protect its citizens,” the neophyte lawmaker said.
The country’s efforts to battle the spread of the coronavirus has meant that healthcare centers and law enforcers are spread thin and, compounded by movement restrictions, have led to delays in responding to victims, the Harvard-trained lawyer said.
Nograles echoed the call of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for governments to integrate the protection of women and children against violence in their COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) response plans and budgets.
The UNDP also pushed for governments and non-government organizations to develop a guide to be shared on social media on how victims can report cases of violence and get access to services amid the pandemic.
“Maganda ring tularan ang ginawa ng ibang bansa na makipag-ugnayan sa mga telecommunication companies para magtayo ng toll-free hotlines para sa mga biktima ng VAWC,” the lawmaker said.
He added that his office would coordinate with various legal aid volunteer groups in developing mechanisms for victim support, including help in mediation and litigation.
“Napakahirap ng dinaranas ng mga VAWC victims natin sa panahon ng pandemya. Dahil na rin sa quarantine, nadaragdagan ang hamon nila na takasan ang banta ng karahasan,” said Nograles.
“The government has to be the face of compassion in this instance. Ipakita natin na handa tayong tumugon sa mga biktima. We already have enforcers on the street, it’s a matter of recalibrating nang malaman nila ang tamang response sa mga ganitong kaso,” he added.