DOST PSTC Isabela staff headed by Engr. Marcelo G. Miguel, Provincial Director, pose for a groufie during the lecture on GAD Concepts.

Anti – Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 or otherwise known as VAWC, is a law passed in the Philippines for the protection of women and children from violence. This law establishes the parameters and guidelines, in keeping with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the Provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments of which the Philippines is a party. (Section 2 of R.A. 9262)

18 things that we can do to help end VAW:

Woman/Girl

1. Empower yourself. Know your rights and available courses of actions in case these rights are violated.

2. Speak out and report to the authorities in case your rights are violated.

3. Encourage others to fight for their rights.

Man/Boy

4. Respect women and girls in your home, workplace, and community.

5. Join male groups promoting Anti-VAW efforts and participate in discussions to broaden your awareness on the advocacy.

6. Enlighten/advise perpetrators to seek help and join the male Anti-VAW supporters.

Government agency

7. Equip yourselves with apt trainings and capacity development sessions to improve service delivery for your clients.

8. Develop monitoring and evaluation strategy to assess the service to your clients supporters.

9. Let people know that you provide the services! We need to inform the public that there are government offices that they can turn to and trust to assist them towards healing and seeking justice.

Barangay

10. Ensure that your Barangay VAW Desk is functional. You can use the Barangay VAW Desk Handbook developed by PCW and DILG with partner agencies to guide you on what to do.

11.Establish linkages with local and national government agencies, as well as other organizations near your barangay where you can refer victim-survivors of VAW for needed assistance which the barangay is not able to provide.

12. Promote harmonious family and community relationships in your barangay which is grounded on mutual respect for human rights, and take proactive steps to attain a VAW-free community.

Private sector

13. Support the Anti-VAW efforts of the government and your immediate community.

14. Establish your own Action Desks where employees and clients can go to in case VAW happens.

15. Develop internal rules to proactively ensure that your workplace is VAW-free.

Academe/training institutions

16. Include concepts of VAW and women’s human rights in lesson plans/lesson guides of your teaching staff

17. Continually conduct/spearhead anti-VAW advocacies in your campus, and if possible, to your immediate community through extension programs.

18. Setup a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) where students and employees can seek help

How can individuals and organizations get involved in the campaign to end VAW?

Organize your own event and invite others to join your event. Government agencies, non-government organizations, sectoral groups, private and civic organizations are enjoined to conduct their own activities in line with this year’s campaign theme and focus. You can get in touch with the Regional and Local Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking in Persons, VAWC, and Child Pornography (Regional/Local IACATVAWCP) in your area to know how you can participate in regional and local activities. You can also invite other groups and individuals to join your event. Hanging of streamer bearing this year’s campaign theme is also encouraged.

Live a Life Free from VAW. A life free from VAW – it’s our right! Freedom from VAW starts with knowing and respecting each person’s rights. You can help end VAW by doing the following:

Never commit VAW

Never condone VAW

Never remain silent about VAW

If you are, or you know someone who is a victim of VAW:

Seek help from sympathetic family members and friends

Report and seek the help of the barangay, social worker, police, NBI, or public attorney’s office nearest you.

Spread the word. Freedom from VAW is everyone’s concern. Be a firm advocate and partner in ending VAW. Know more about VAW and share the information with everyone. Support efforts within your school, workplace of community to eliminate VAW and achieve our vision of a VAW-free community.

Source: www.pcw.gov.ph/VAWfreePH2018
#VAWCfreePH