RACEFIN O. SUCO

LGOO VI

VAWC DESK

IN THE

DILG - Malinao

BARANGAY

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VAW DESK?

• Respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay;
• Record the number of gender-based violence handled by the barangay and submit a quarterly report on all cases of VAW to the DILG City/MunicipalField Office and the City/Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (C/MSWDO);
• Keep VAW case records confidential and secured, and ensure that only authorized personnel can access it;
• Assist victims of VAW in securing Barangay Protection Order (BPO) and access necessary services;

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• 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, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), institutions, and other service providers as necessary;
• Address other forms of abuse committed against women, especially senior citizens, women with disabilities, and other marginalized groups;
• Lead advocacies on the elimination of VAW in the community; and
• Perform other related functions as may be assigned.

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WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VAW DESK?

WHERE COULD THE VAW DESK BE SITUATED?

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• The VAW Desk should be located within the barangay hall or near it. If there is no barangay hall, the VAW Desk may be put up near or where the Punong Barangay holds office.
• Its location must be situated in a place where the confidentiality, privacy and safety of the client will not be compromised. It must have a separate room where the intake interview can be conducted.

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REMINDER

A VAWC Desk should have a separate cabinet or designated storage place where files could be safely kept and maintained. Access to its contents must be controlled by the person-in- charge.

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• For security purposes, cameras in mobile phones are not to be used to avoid passing on or spreading documented video to unauthorized individuals.

• Television should not be kept inside the counseling room.

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REMINDER

SHOULD THE VAW DESK OFFICER BE FAMILIAR WITH VAW LAWS PRIOR TO THEIR APPOINTMENT?

Not necessarily. However, it is crucial for VAW Desk Officers to learn the basic principles and context in addressing VAW. They should undergo training and attend seminars and workshops to be more sensitive in handling cases, change traditional mindsets, and better understand the issues related to VAW. The following are the laws that VAW Desk Officers must be acquainted with:

• Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262
• Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)
• Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208)
• Anti-Rape Law (8353) and the Rape Shelter Act (RA 8505)
• Anti-Child Abuse Act (RA 7610)
• Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA 9775)
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Law (RA 7877)
• Gender-related provisions of the Revised Penal Code (e.g. physical injuries, acts of lasciviousness)
• Relevant provisions of the Family Code

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WHAT STEPS ARE TAKEN WHEN A VICTIM/SURVIVOR SEEKS ASSISTANCE FROM THE VAWC DESK?

STEP 1

Make sure that the victim/survivor is:

•comfortable

•In a safe and private rooms or area;

•Given water and other immediate needs such as food, first aid and clothing

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STEP 2

Assess the situation by getting basic information that can determine present and possible risks.

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CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE, SECTION 44, RA 9262

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All records pertaining to cases of violence against women and their children, including those in the barangay, shall be held confidential.

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REMINDERS

If it is an emergency situation, do the following:

• if further medical attention is needed, immediately take the victim-survivor to the nearest clinic or hospital;
• if further legal attention or protective services are required, especially with regard to her security and safety, refer or take her to the appropriate offices which can better attend to her protection; and
• fill out the INTAKE/REFERRAL FORM

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STEP 3

All information must be recorded in the appropriate logbook immediately.

Once the victim-survivor is stable, assist the Punong Barangay or Kagawad in conducting the interview. The interviewer should be gender-sensitive, sincere, and use a language or dialect that the victim-survivor understands.

STEP 4

Ask the victim-survivor why she went to the VAW Desk. This will help the Officer determine which logbook to record her statements.

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Ask the victim-survivor to write the following information in the logbook:

• personal information;

• purpose of her visit; and

• action to be taken upon the request

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INTERVIEW PROCESS

A well-executed interview with the VAW victim-survivor enables the VAW Desk Officer to obtain pertinent information about the abuse and gain insight into the type of assistance needed. It's essential to allow the survivor to share her story without interruption. If she appears hesitant or unsure of how to begin, ask questions cautiously. The interviewer should refrain from expressing personal opinions.

DO’S

DONT’S

• Take the case seriously
• Refrain from making judgmental statements
• Present and discuss advantages and disadvantages of all option available to the client

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• Contradict her version of the story or make fun of her situation
• Be judgmental
• Pressure her to make a decision

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If the case is a violation of RA 9262, inform the victim-survivor of her rights, the solutions and remedies available to her, and the processes involved in her quest for justice. Brief her about the Barangay Protection Order (BPO) and how to secure it, including the implications to her and the children should she decide to apply for it. If she decides to obtain a BPO, assist her in filing for an application.

STEP 5

THANK

YOU!