Davao City Councilor Urges Vigilance in Reporting Violence Against Women and Children

DAVAO City – Davao City 3rd District Councilor Atty. Antoinette Principe has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting incidents of violence against women and children (VAWC), stressing that offenders can be of any gender, not exclusively male.

Under Republic Act 9262, known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, various forms of abuse including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence against women and their children by spouses, former spouses, partners, or any person sharing a child with the victim are punishable by law.

Councilor Principe clarified that the law does not restrict perpetrators to males, as it extends protection to women in same-sex relationships and any other cases where a woman or her child is victimized. She explained, "The common misconception is that only men can be VAWC perpetrators, but the law covers any person, meaning men or women. This includes lesbian relationships as long as the victim is a woman and/or her child."

The law mandates penalties ranging from imprisonment of one month and one day up to 20 years, fines between PHP 100,000 to PHP 300,000, and compulsory psychological or psychiatric counseling for the offenders.

Victims and witnesses aware of abuse are entitled to file criminal complaints, civil claims for damages, and request protection orders. Such remedies can be initiated by the victims themselves or by any citizen who witnesses the violence, providing immediate protective measures.

In Davao City, victims have access to comprehensive support systems. Barangays host dedicated VAWC desks, staffed by officers trained to provide prompt aid. The Davao City Police Office maintains a special unit focusing on women and children, tasked with handling reports and documenting evidence.

Additionally, the Southern Philippines Medical Center features a Women and Children Protection Unit offering medico-legal and trauma care services to victims of physical and sexual assault. Female survivors can also seek sanctuary at the Sidlakan Center.

Councilor Principe urged the community to familiarize themselves with their rights under the VAWC law. She warned that many victims and even perpetrators may not recognize certain behaviors as abusive due to lack of awareness. She stated, "I encourage women, children, and men to understand the rights of women and to acquaint themselves with the Violence Against Women and Children law. Many may not realize that actions by their partners already constitute abuse."

She further reassured victims to never lose hope and to seek assistance through barangay officials, police stations, government agencies, or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Legal Aid Office, which provides free legal support to abused women and children.

Councilor Principe's call highlights the importance of community involvement and awareness in addressing and preventing violence against vulnerable groups in the city.