SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA — In a significant move to combat domestic abuse, the province of Antique has successfully established Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in all 590 barangays, providing crucial support and temporary shelter for abused women and their children.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Gender and Development Desk officer of Antique, these VAW desks offer a haven for victims seeking refuge from abusive situations within their own communities.
Galuego, during an interview on Monday, emphasized the empowering effect of these desks on local women, knowing there is a dedicated place for them to receive shelter and protection. The initiative, mandated under the Magna Carta for Women, is part of a broader program overseen by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure support mechanisms are in place at the grassroots level.
Each VAW desk, situated within barangay halls, is staffed by a dedicated officer and equipped with a room and necessary personal essentials to accommodate and assist clients effectively. The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) also conducts ongoing capacity training for VAW desk officers, enhancing their skills in handling sensitive cases.
Galuego noted an increase in reported VAW cases, attributing this trend to the growing empowerment of women in Antique, who now feel more confident in seeking assistance. The PPDO recorded 96 VAW cases in 2023, up from 87 cases in 2022, indicating a heightened awareness and willingness among women to report abuses.
In related efforts to promote gender equality and support for women's rights, provincial capitol employees participated in the One Billion Rising campaign during a Monday flag-raising ceremony, coinciding with the launch of the Women's Month celebration. Provincial board member Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao, who joined the event, expressed a commitment to advancing gender equality and creating a gender-fair society, underscoring the importance of overcoming challenges to women's empowerment.