Why Institutionalize Community Based Response to VAWC

The ability of families to cope in situations of conflict and victimization largely depends on the support that they get from their extended family, their immediate community and the government. The information campaign against domestic violence which are undertaken by various sectors have helped increase the knowledge of the public that violence against women and children is punishable by law. However, awareness of the issue alone is not a guarantee that the abuse of women and children will stop or be totally eliminated.

It requires that family and their neighbors will take the initiative to report any VAWC and child abuse incident to the barangay.

It requires barangay officials who are ready to assist victims of abuse by providing them immediate intervention and referring them to the municipal or city government for further assistance.

It requires a local government leadership who is able to provide the necessary moral, legal and logistical support to local service providers such as police, medical and social welfare officers for them to be able to provide comprehensive services to VAWC victims.

It requires local government units who are gender responsive by ensuring that they enact and implement human, children and women’s rights laws, mainstream gender in all their plans, projects and activities, allocate and use their GAD budgets and capacitate the LGU staff, barangay officials and support groups.

It necessitates the inculcation of gender equality and the culture of peace and non-tolerance to any form of violence in all spheres.

These are the reasons why there is a need to institutionalize the family/community watch approach to violence against women and children.

HAPPY WOMEN'S MONTH EVERYONE!