The Davao City government is now giving free legal services for victims of domestic violence and couples experiencing marital problems, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lorna Mandin, the Head of the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), said her office is anticipating the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on couples or the family.
“We have anticipated the possible effects especially sa mental health sa individual kay tan-aw nato kapag magpuyo sa balay unya daghan pud nawad-an og trabaho, posible nagakulang sa food supply, i-anticipate nato nga possible ning maka-trigger og domestic violence (We have anticipated the possible effects especially on the mental health of an individual because when one is just at home with no job and food, it could trigger domestic violence),” Mandin said.
For these services, IGDD has set-up hotlines for Dabawenyos who need marriage counseling and those who need to report cases of violence. The public can call 226-8011 from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m. from Monday to Friday and 0923 749 8003 which is open 24/7. The Kean Gabriel Hotline for abused children 0908 818 4444 is also open 24/7.
“Diri sa IGDD naa tay mga abogado nga nagahatag og serbisyong pang legal, ginafacilitate pud ang filing of cases, family conferences and mga legal remedy so makatabang pud siya. So pwede pud sila magduol diri sa atoa or motawag sa cellphone and landline para di na kinahanglan moanhi diri hilabi na karon sa panahon sa Covid (In IGDD, we have lawyers who give legal services, facilitate the filing of cases, family conferences and other legal remedies that could help people. So they can also go to us or contact us through our cellphone and landline numbers so they would not personally come here especially with the Covid pandemic),” Mandin said.
IGDD has also made available advocacy and education materials in English and Binisaya that go with the food packs distributed by the city to continue educating Dabawenyos on how to maintain a healthy environment at home.
Although there is no reported increase of violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act during the community quarantine, Mandin said her office is complacent because there could be cases of violence that are unreported.
“Sa 9262 or VAWC, walay pagtaas sa mga kaso as reported. But probably basin dili ta kahibalo kay basin naa lang wala nareport. Nag text blast pud ta sa atoang mga barangay officials nga kinahanglan tubagon ang mga kaso sa barangay kay pinakaduol man gyud ang barangay (For 9262 or VAWC, there is no increase of cases reported. But probably because we just do not know or some cases are not reported. We have also informed barangay officials that they must address these cases in the barangay because they are nearest to the clients),” she added.
Mandin also encouraged people in the community who witness abuse to report perpetrators and potential abusers to appropriate authorities. CIO
