Mandaue to set up crisis center for abuse victims

A one-stop crisis center for victims of all forms of abuse will soon be built inside the Mandaue City District Hospital compound,

Marilou Canizares, president of the Zonta Club of Cebu II, said this is part of their advocacy of empowering women and in the observance of the 18 days of activism against gender-based violence

This is also part of their project called "Abay sa Kahayag" which will run starting November 23 until December 10, said Canizares.

The Zonta Club of Cebu II, together with the Mandaue City Government, will be the one to set the center up for women who are victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

"It is designed to address the plight of abuse victims by providing police assistance, legal consultation, and medical services," said Atty. Elaine Bathan, chief of staff of Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, who is also a member of the Zonta Club.

This is the first time the city will have a crisis center not just for women but also for transgenders and children.

Before establishing a crisis center, Flor Miel, public relations officer of the club, said they will be looking for volunteer doctors and nurses as well as social workers to run the crisis center.

"Yes, this is also open for those women outside Mandaue," she said, adding that there will be no fees imposed in the crisis center.

Aside from women, the crisis center is also open for the members of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays Bisexuals, Transgender) community, according to Miel.

Bathan, meanwhile, said the city will also coordinate with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and Public Attorney's Office (PAO) in tapping lawyers who wanted to volunteer in providing legal services and consultations.

A feasibility study will be made for the building inside the district hospital compound and that they have yet to provide a budget for this project, according to Bathan.