QC launches unified database for cases of violence against women, children
To speed up tracking, response, and processing of the reported cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) in Quezon City, the local government launched the "QC VAW Centralized Databank System" on Monday, Dec. 13.
Mayor Joy Belmonte, along with the QC Gender and Development (GAD) Council, led the launching of the unified database which will be used by the VAWC desk officers in the 142 baranggays and police stations in the city.
The VAWC desk officers will also undergo training on how to use the integrated system.
“Abot-kamay na ang pag-asa para sa libu-libong biktima, habang tinitiyak natin ang kapanatagan ng loob para sa iba pang kababaihan at kabataan. Maliwanag ang mensahe natin sa kanila: tayo ay nasa panig nila at wala silang dapat ipangamba ( Hope is now within reach for thousands of victims for the peace of mind of women and children. The message is clear: we are on their side and they have nothing to worry about),” Belmonte said.
She added that the challenge for the city is to continue implementing programs and services that will focus on the response to this kind of violence.
Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, reported in September 2021 that cases of VAWC in city increased by 66.67 percent for the first eight months of the year compared to the same period last year, while rape cases also went up by 21.54 percent.
Yarra said that most of the recorded cases were physical and psychological abuse.
Belmonte urged the victims of any gender-based incidents to seek help through the city's different program and directed the QCPD, City Protection Center, and GAD to monitor and respond quickly to these cases.
The unified database system is part of the city's 18-Day campaign to end violence against women.