PORAC town Councilor Fritzie David-Dizon said she fully supports the campaign to reduce cases of Violence against Women (VAW) in Porac town through vigilant reporting and addressing issues that plague the women's sector.
David-Dizon expressed her commitment during the orientation and first meeting of the barangay VAW desk officers on the roles and functions and challenges in implementation of R.A. 9262.
Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as Magna Carta for Women provides for the establishment of a VAW desk per barangay.
In the recent National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted every five years by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), one out of five, or 20 percent, women aged 15 to 49 years old has experienced physical violence.
Four percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy and six in 10 women reported having experienced sexual violence.
David-Dizon said that the VAW desks play a crucial role in reporting and helping address cases of violence in the grassroots level.
"The Municipal Government of Porac is always ready to help our desk officer in terms of development and training as well as their other needs to better help them in the implementation of their tasks," she said.
Desk officers are mainly mandated to respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay; keep VAW records confidential and secured, and ensure that only authorized person can access it; assist victims of VAW in securing Barangay Protection Order (BPO); and access necessary services.
Desk officers shall also develop the barangay's gender responsive plan in addressing gender based violence, including support services, capacity building and referral system; coordinate with and refer cases to government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), institutions, and other service providers as necessary.