QC launches database for cases of violence against women and children

by Philstar.com, 14 Dec 2021

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government opened Tuesday the country’s first unified database to track cases of violence against women and children in the city.

In a statement sent to media, the city government said that the QC Gender and Development Integrated Management Information System will be used by VAWC desk officers in the city’s 142 barangays, in police stations, and by the city’s Gender and Development Council to track and hasten the processing of gender-based violence cases in the city.

This comes as the Quezon City Police District noted the rising cases of reported VAWC in the city. According to Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, VAWC cases increased 66.67% while local police also noted a 21.54% increase in rape cases in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period last year.

“Most of the recorded cases were of physical abuse and psychological abuse. It was also noted that the pandemic played a significant role in the upward trend of VAWC cases,” the city’s statement read.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said she directed the QCPD, QC Protection Center and Gender and Development office to monitor and act swiftly on calls and reports pertaining to VAWC and other gender-based incidents.

“Hope is within reach for thousands of victims, as we ensure peace of mind for other women and youth. Our message to them is clear: we are on their side and they have nothing to worry about,” the mayor said in her speech at the launch of the database.

“Our challenge now is to continue to launch programs and services like this, focusing on women’s issues. May our hearts and palms remain open to provide protection.”

In the first three months of the coronavirus-induced lockdowns in the Philippines, a total of 4,260 cases of violence against women and children were reported to the Philippine National Police.

According to the Center for Women’s Resources, one woman or one child is experiencing violence every 10 minutes while stuck at home in the world’s longest quarantine. — Franco Luna