The Department of Education (DepEd) has opened direct lines for victims who wish to report sexual abuse and harassment incidents they have experienced --- especially in schools.
In a joint presser on Thursday, Sept. 8, DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa said that Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has ordered the creation of direct lines for victim-survivors of sexual abuse or harassment so they can immediately report their experiences to DepEd.
“Naiintindihan natin yung plight ng victims pagdating sa ganitong napaka-sensitibong matter (We understand the plight of the victims when it comes to this very sensitive matter), Poa said.
In a separate statement issued to the media, Poa reiterated that DepEd --- under the leadership of Duterte --- has a “zero-tolerance policy” for all forms of abuses perpetrated in our schools, especially against our learners.
“DepEd is taking all reports about sexual abuse and violence against our learners in schools seriously as we are determined to ensure that schools all over the country are safe spaces for our learners and free from sexual predators,” Poa said.
Recognizing that reporting experiences of sexual abuse and violence are “often hampered by fear and feeling of embarrassment,” DepEd urged Kindergarten to Grade 12 victim-survivors to report these incidents directly to the Office of the Secretary.
“Help us help you bring these perpetrators to justice and end sexual abuse and violence in our schools,” Poa said.
Victim-survivors can send an email to [email protected] or call 8633-1942; 8635-9817 and 09959218461 that will remain open even after working hours.
Poa assured the victims that their personal information and the nature of their reports would be “treated with utmost confidentiality.”
Related to this, Poa also urged other alleged victims of sexual harassment to come out and submit an affidavit, statement or evidence so formal charges can be filed against the perpetrators.
Poa also assured that DepEd is continuously trying to strengthen its Child Protection Unit.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/08/deped-files-formal-charges-vs-5-cavite-teachers-accused-of-sexual-harassment/