Crisis puts women and girls at a greater risk of abuse and violence. In 2015 for example, an increase in exposure to sexual assault and sex exploitation brought by socioeconomic constraints during the Ebola outbreak were observed. The compromised social protection mechanisms due to diverted resources played a role in the said incidence. In this time of COVID-19 crisis, it is critical that women and girls are given protection even in community quarantines as this measure to protect them from the virus exposes them to another form of harm, a lasting or even a fatal one should there be no lines of help offered at all.

If you are experiencing any of these forms of violence, remember that you are not alone. Stand up, seek help, and speak up for yourself or for others.  Please contact the following offices immediately for any reports:

• Interagency Council on Violence Against Women and Children: +63 917 874 8961 or +63 916 398 1228 or +63 917 867 1907.  Landline: (02) 8735 1654 loc. 122 / (02) 8733 6611 Email: iacvawc@pcw.gov.ph.

• Ministry of Social Services and Development BARMM: +63 950 727 1396.

• City Social Welfare and Development Office – Marawi City: +63 945 465 0809

• DILG: +63 927422 6300 and +63 961 772 1668

• PNP – Women & Children Protection Center (WCPC): (02) 8410 3213. Email: wcpc_pnp@yahoo.com / wcpc_vawcd@yahoo.com / avawcd.wcpc@pnp.gov.ph

• Aleng Pulis Hotline: (+63) 919 777 7377

• NBI – Violence Against Women & Children Desk (VAWCD): (02) 8523 8231 to 38 or (02) 8525 6028. Email: vawcd@nbi.gov.ph

• DSWD: (02) 8931 8101 to 07 and Text Hotline: +63 918 912 2813

• DSWD – NCR Ugnayan Pag-asa Crisis Intervention Center: (02) 8734 8639 / (02) 8734 8654 / (02) 8734 8626 to 27

• DSWD Community-Based Services Section (CBSS): (02) 8733 0010 to 18 loc. 116

• Public Attorney’s Office (PAO): (02) 8929 9436 local 106, 107 or 159  (Local “0” for operator)  and (+63) 939 323 3665. Email: pao_executive@yahoo.com

If you need to see a Women and Children Protection Unit located near you, use our HEALTH FACILITY LOCATOR. Simply input your location, then select “Women and Children Protection Unit” and click on the search button. The results will show the facilities with WPCU within a 10 kilometer radius from your location.