LALA, Lanao del Norte (PIA)–Cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) here have declined for the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year.
According to Lala Mayor Angel “Tata” Yap, only five VAWC cases were recorded for the first semester.
“Dili gyud pareha tong niagi mas taas man. Amo gyud silang natabangan naa man tay crisis center diha,” said Yap.
[It’s not the same as before, that’s even higher. We helped them through our crisis center there.]
Yap shared that the municipality houses the abused women and children at their temporary shelter and provides them with their necessities such as food and hygiene kits for free.
According to Venus Olongayo, in charge of the temporary shelter, they also conduct counseling for abused women and victims.
Barangay workers in the town recently joined the Advocacy Forum on Women and Children Laws spearheaded by the provincial government tackling salient features of Anti-violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Law, Anti-trafficking Law, Republic Act 9344 or Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, and the Role of Barangay Council for the Protection of Children. (LELA/PIA-10-Lanao del Norte)