ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Philippine National Police-Zamboanga City Police Office (PNP-ZCPO) is intensifying its commitment to combat violence against women and children (VAWC) through its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).
In the recent Kapihan na Zamboanga episode, WCPD Chief, Police Major Ann Lim Santos, highlighted the concerning rise in VAWC-related complaints. To address the issue and provide comprehensive support to victims, the ZCPO has implemented various initiatives, especially during the VAWC Awareness Month (November 25 to December 12).
The WCPD is a specialized unit within the ZCPO offering a range of services to VAWC victims, including:
- Counseling: Providing emotional support and guidance.
- Legal Aid: Referring victims to legal assistance.
- Immediate Protection: Safeguarding victims from perpetrators.
In 2024, the ZCPO recorded approximately 208 VAWC cases, a significant increase from the previous year’s 196. The primary factors contributing to these incidents were identified as financial stress, unemployment, and a lack of understanding regarding healthy relationships and conflict resolution.
One of the challenges faced by the ZCPO is persuading victims to pursue legal action due to fear of retaliation and a lack of awareness about their rights. To address this, the agency has implemented measures such as:
- Confidential Reporting: Utilizing a “pink blotter” to protect victims’ personal information.
- Specialized Training: Equipping staff to handle sensitive cases with empathy and discretion.
- Inter-Agency Collaboration: Partnering with other organizations to expand the scope of support services.
Meanwhile, the ZCPO’s Simultaneous Anti-Gender-Based Violence through Interoperability between Stakeholders and Police (SAGIP) project aims to empower victims to report crimes and seek protection from all forms of abuse. By raising awareness about VAWC and its devastating consequences, the agency hopes to prevent future incidents and create a safer community.
PMAJ Santos emphasized the importance of collective action in combating VAWC. “We will continue to educate ourselves to support the victims of abuse and take immediate actions to prevent future accidents. By working together, we can create a safe environment for future generations,” she said. (EDT/MLE/JFT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
