Law forming VAW desk in brgys ok’d

AN ordinance establishing a violence against women (VAW) desk in barangays, and protocol in handling VAW cases was passed on third and final reading last Tuesday.

Through the ordinance, all the barangay captains are mandated to designate an area within the barangay hall for the VAW desk and provide all necessary furniture and office supplies to be used by assigned personnel.

Based on Section 4.2 of the ordinance, the punong barangay shall designate a VAW desk person who is trained in gender-sensitive handling of cases; preferably a woman barangay kagawad or woman barangay tanod.

In cases where there are no trained personnel, the barangay captain shall ensure that the person assigned shall undergo basic sensitivity training and orientation on anti-VAW laws.

VAW desk officer, according to the Section 5 of the ordinance must report for duty from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to respond to the complaints and assist clients.

The VAW desk officer must be accessible through landline and mobile phones and should be on call in case an accident occurs after working hours.

The desk officer is also 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.

Section 6 of the ordinance also provided specific protocols in handing cases specifically when a victim survivor is accompanied by someone to the barangay or the victims herself goes to the barangay, and if a victim survivor is reported by a community member.

It also provides protocol on how to assist non-barangay residents who are VAW victims.

Based on Section 7 of the ordinance, the City Mayor shall ensure the establishment of a VAW desk in every barangay within their jurisdiction.

For the budget, the ordinance states that technical and financial assistance will be provided subject to the availability of funds which will be based on the Gender and Development (GAD) appropriation or allocation of five percennt of the Annual Barangay Budget for operations.

Section 9 of the ordinance states that all barangay captain or VAW desk person in-charge shall submit a report on the establishment of Barangay VAW desk in their respective barangay to the office of the city mayor, through the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD).

All designated VAW Desk person in charge shall record and file all VAW cases in their respective barangay and a Quarterly report be likewise submitted to the above mentioned office including the action taken and status of each case.

The VAW case records should be treated with utmost confidentiality and security, and ensure that only authorized personnel can have an access to it.

According to the copy of the ordinance, this ordinance was passed in to bolster the Republic Act (RA) 9710, otherwise known as Magna Carta for Women that provides for the establishment of VAW desk per barangay. It is also done in compliance with the city ordinance No. 5004 or the Ordinance providing for a Women Development Code of the City.

This ordinance was proposed by Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations Chair Avegayle Ortiz- Omalza. KVC