DSWD: Protection mechanisms in place vs VAWC in evacuation centers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday said it is ramping up protection mechanisms in evacuation centers as part of its anti-violence against women and children (VAWC) campaign.

In a statement, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said this is in support of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women, which is observed every year from November 25 to December 12.

“This year’s powerful and deeply relevant theme – ‘Sa EC, Walang VAWC’ (In Evacuation Centers, There is no VAWC) – is a direct and profound call to action that resonates at the very core of the DSWD’s mandate,” Dumlao said on Wednesday.

She said the DRMG strictly enforces the standard that evacuation centers must not only offer refuge from physical hazards in times of calamities, but also serve as “safe, dignified, and violence-free spaces for all evacuees.”

“This visible commitment underscores the DSWD’s philosophy that disaster response is more than just providing assistance – it is, at its core, about safeguarding all people, particularly vulnerable populations,” Dumlao said.

She added that the DSWD-DRMG is continuing to strengthen protection mechanisms in evacuation centers through several initiatives.

The DSWD is implementing gender-responsive camp management which integrates VAWC prevention protocols into all operations by providing separate sanitation facilities, adequate lighting, and designated safe spaces for women and children.

It also activated protection desks managed by trained DRMG personnel and partner agency personnel, offering immediate assistance, psychosocial support, and legal referrals.

Dumlao added that the DSWD’s Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and camp management capabilities are constantly enhanced through regular training on key legislation such as Republic Act 9262 or the 2004 Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 and RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.

The DSWD also actively disseminates information materials in evacuation centers to ensure that anti-VAWC materials, hotlines, and reporting mechanisms are readily accessible to all evacuees.

“The 18-day campaign serves as a crucial reminder that the agency’s disaster response initiatives are always geared towards prioritizing the safety, dignity, and protection of women and children,” Dumlao said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News