Thousands of Filipino women and children have become victims of violence since lockdown started, said a report from President Rodrigo Duterte that was released to the media yesterday.
Duterte’s 11th Congressional report said that at least 1,954 cases of violence against women have been recorded by the police. Meanwhile, there were 1,754 cases of violence against children.
In light of this, the Philippine National Police is working with various local governments “to ensure the welfare of women and children are protected,” the report said. It added that the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is actively responding to queries which it receives through phone and e-mail.
Read: WATCH: It’s time to fight violence against women
“Moreover, the PCW continues to implement the VAW [Violence Against Women] Referral System, which provides for a national mechanism for monitoring and reduction of gender-based violence,” the report said.
Prior to the submission of the report, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed fears that there would be more incidents of domestic abuse due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
“The quarantine is difficult for all of us. But it is a living nightmare for women who are trapped with their abusers behind closed doors. There will be more cases of domestic violence while we are under quarantine,” she said in English and Filipino.
She asked the police and local governments to respond to calls of violence committed within the home.
“Women and children should know that you are ready to help if you receive reports of abuse,” she said.
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