Highlights
Read about the 10 things that every local government unit (LGU) should have to end violence against women and children (VAWC) in their area.
Overview
Here are 10 things that every local government unit (LGU) should have to end violence against women and children (VAWC) in their area.
1. Capacity building of WCPUs, WCPDs, and VAW desks
These are the units to which citizens report VAWC cases, so there should be continuous training to ensure that they can effectively respond to the circumstances in their area.
2. Advocacy campaigns
There should be campaigns targeted towards segments of the population to raise awareness, change attitudes and behaviors, and build structures that combat VAWC.
3. Research and innovation
The local government should invest in data collection and management as well as new technologies to improve VAWC support, even and especially during emergencies.
4. Funding
A good portion of the local budget should be allocated for the elimination of VAWC. In case of deficit, funding can be sourced from other organizations, e.g. UNFPA.
5. Local policies and political structures
There should be political structures that are enacted according to local realities, e.g. Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, Barangay Protection Order.
6. Justice and legal services
These services should be fast, free, and child-friendly and protective, avoiding the re-traumatization of women and children.
7. Response and support services
These services should be comprehensive and proactive, going beyond food, hygiene, and therapy to provide holistic care for women and children.
8. Shelters and safe houses
These should be situated in strategic locations for easy access, and should cover the treatment and recovery needs women and children with different backgrounds of violence.
9. Prevention programming
Awareness-raising, empowerment, early identification and intervention, positive parenting programs, and gender sensitivity training are some practices that could help your community avoid VAWC.
10. Integration and specialization
Stakeholders on various levels should work together on intersecting women’s and children’s issues, deciding which aspects should be integrated and specialized.
Check out this UNFPA report to learn more about what LGUs can offer to put a stop to VAWC in their community.
