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DAVAO City Records Highest Number of VAWC Cases in 18 Years
DAVAO City has been facing a concerning rise in cases of Violence against Women and Children (VAWC), with a staggering 2,707 reported incidents in 2023. This marks the highest number of cases in the past 18 years, according to Lorna B. Mandin, head of the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD).
Pandemic-Related Challenges Exacerbate the Issue
Mandin attributed the surge in VAWC cases to pandemic-related challenges that have limited access to support services, resulting in a backlog of cases. The pandemic has created additional stressors and barriers that have contributed to the increase in reported incidents.
Trend of Escalating Cases
According to data provided by the IGDD, there were 2,540 reported VAWC cases in 2019, followed by 1,197 in 2020, 999 in 2021, 1,864 in 2022, and a significant increase to 2,707 cases in 2023. This notable upward trend highlights the pressing issue that the city is facing.
Types of Abuse Reported
The majority of reported cases involve domestic and gender-based violence, with spouses and partners identified as the usual perpetrators. In 2023 alone, 1,439 cases were economic abuse, 755 were psychological or emotional abuse, 463 were physical abuse, and 50 were sexual abuse.
Assistance Provided by IGDD
In 2023, the IGDD assisted a total of 1,341 walk-in clients (women). This assistance was provided throughout the year, with 381 clients in the first quarter, 312 in the second quarter, 358 in the third quarter, and 290 in the fourth quarter. Efforts to address the issue continue, with the IGDD conducting training sessions for VAWC desk officers to handle cases sensitively and effectively.
Challenges and Collaborative Efforts
Despite ongoing efforts, the rising number of VAWC cases poses a significant challenge for DAVAO City. Continuous response and innovations are needed to address the issue collaboratively with partner agencies. It is crucial to work together to combat VAWC and create a safer environment for women and children in the city.
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