How victims of domestic abuse can get the help they need amid quarantine

Everyone is urged to stay home to limit spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but this is not a good scenario for domestic abuse victims.

Fortunately, even amid the enhanced community quarantine, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSDW) is ready to help.

Mirriam C. Navarro, Social Welfare Specialist for Women and Gender and Development - DSWS, shared how victims can get the help they need.

In an episode of "Sumbungan ng Bayan," Navarro said that each barangay has a Violence Against Woman and Children (VAWC) help desk ready to assist them.

She added that victims can also get help from the Women Children Protection Center.

Victims located in NCR may call DSWD's hotline 8733-6279, or email them at foncr@dswd.gov.ph.

They can also ask or help their respective barangays, and even their local governments, who can coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and DSWD.

"Huwag po silang matakot. Ang mensahe lang po natin ay sila ay dapat humingi ng tulong para po sila ay ma-rescue at mabigyan ng karampatang tulong ng ating gobyerno, counseling man po 'yan, legal man po 'yan," Navarro said.

She also tells barangay officials, "Sana po ay matulungan at matugunan din natin ang kanilang pangangailangan kahit po tayo ay nasa enhanced community quarantine."

Luzon has been placed under enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of COVID-19. Under this condition, out of home trips are restricted and public transportation is banned. Many Filipinos are now facing temporary job loss.

As of Saturday, the Philippines has recorded 6,087 cases, 397 deaths, and 516 recoveries.

—JCB, GMA News