BARANGAY VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR

CHILDREN (VAWC) PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES

 A VAW Desk is a physical facility
that addresses VAW cases in a
manner that is gender-sensitive.
SETTING UP
VAWC Managed by a person assigned by
the Punong Barangay, it is where
the victim-survivor can
immediately go to seek help.
 The VAW Desk must be furnished
with items and equipment
necessary to make it fully
SETTING UP
VAWC functional.
 Because it is important that the
right to privacy and security of
the victim-survivor is respected,
SETTING UP
VAWC the following must be
maintained:
 1. An assurance of confidentiality
throughout the engagement with the
client; and
SETTING UP 2. The intake interview, using the
VAWC prescribed intake form of the barangay,
should be done in a place where the
client feels comfortable and safe so she
could relate her story without fear.
 1. Respond to gender-based violence cases
brought to the barangay;

FUNCTIONS 2. Record the number of gender-based

OF VAWC violence handled by the barangay and
DESK submit a quarterly report on all cases of
VAW to the DILG City/Municipal Field
Office and the City/Municipal Social
Welfare Development Office (C/MSWDO);
 3. Keep VAW case records confidential
and secured, and ensure that only
authorized personnel can access it;
FUNCTIONS
OF VAWC 4. Assist victims of VAW in securing
DESK Barangay Protection Order (BPO)
and access necessary services;
 5. Develop the barangay’s gender-
responsive plan in addressing gender-
based violence, including support
FUNCTIONS services, capacity building and referral
OF VAWC system;
DESK
6. Coordinate with and refer cases to
government agencies, nongovernment
organizations (NGOs), institutions, and
other service providers as necessary;
 7. Address other forms of abuse committed
against women, especially senior citizens,
women with disabilities, and other
FUNCTIONS marginalized groups;
OF VAWC
DESK 8. Lead advocacies on the elimination of VAW
in the community; and

9. Perform other related functions as may be

assigned.
 The VAW Desk should be located
within the barangay hall or near
FUNCTIONS
THE VAW it. If there is no barangay hall, the
OF VAWC
DESK BE SET VAW Desk may be put up near or
DESK
UP where the Punong Barangay
holds office.
 The VAW Desk should be located
within the barangay hall or near
FUNCTIONS
THE VAW it. If there is no barangay hall, the
OF VAWC
DESK BE SET VAW Desk may be put up near or
DESK
UP where the Punong Barangay
holds office.
 A room that has the following:
• An alternative entrance and exit that is
What are the separate from the main entrance ofthe
things needed barangay hall;
FUNCTIONS • Where people inside could not be seen from
for a VAW
OF VAWC the outside;
Desk? • Can be locked from the inside; and
DESK
• Must bewell-ventilated, clean and orderly.
THE FACILITY
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
• Table;
What are the • Chairs;
things needed • Filing cabinet or storage area and
FUNCTIONS
for a VAW • Sofa bed, folding bed or mat.
OF VAWC
Desk?
DESK A VAW Desk should have a separate cabinet or
THE designated storage place where files could be safely
kept and maintained. Access to its contents must be
FURNITURES controlled by the person-in- charge.
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
• Computer for loggingin and monitoring VAW
What are the cases;
things needed • Camera to be used in documenting cases of
FUNCTIONS
for a VAW violence, especially in capturing physical proofs;
OF VAWC
Desk? • Electric fan or air conditioning unit, if possible;
DESK • Television and
THE • Tape or voice recorder Like the camera, a tape
or voice recorder is helpful in documenting cases.
EQUIPMENT
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
What are the
things needed Important forms such as VAW Docs Intake Form
for a VAW (see Annex A), Referral Form (see Annex B),
FUNCTIONS Feedback Form (see Annex C), and BPO
Desk?
OF VAWC Application Form (see Annex D); and
DESK
THE Logbooks. The person-in-charge of the VAW Desk
MONITORING must assist the person who approached the Desk
TOOLS in writing correct and important information in
the logbook.
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
• Basic materials needed for evidence collection
What are the and preservation such as paper and plastic bags,
things needed tissues, clean vials, marking pens, and scotch
FUNCTIONS
for a VAW tapes;
OF VAWC • Clean water supply, including potable water
Desk?
DESK from the tap or in covered water storage bins and
containers available 24 hours a day, seven days a
THE SUPPLIES week;
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
• First Aid kit. In some instances, a VAW victim-
What are the survivor needs immediate medical attention.
things needed Thus, it is important that the VAW Desk can
FUNCTIONS
for a VAW provide first- aid assistance to her. (See Annex F
OF VAWC for the content of a First Aid Kit); and
Desk?
DESK • Food (meals/snacks and drinks) for the
immediate need of the victim-survivor.
THE SUPPLIES
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
What are the • Clothing,
things needed • Toiletries such as tissue paper, sanitary
for a VAW napkins, rubbing alcohol, cotton, toothbrushes,
FUNCTIONS
Desk? toothpaste, towels and soaps; and
OF VAWC • Beddings like pillows and blankets.
DESK
THE
PERSONAL
AMENITIES
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
• Vehicle. VAW cases should always be treated
What are the with urgency. There should be an easily accessible
things needed mode of transportation whenever the situation
FUNCTIONS
for a VAW calls for the victim- survivor to be relocated due
OF VAWC to security reasons or to get immediate medical
Desk?
DESK attention. The means of transport could either be
the barangay patrol car, or a public or private
THE UTILITIES vehicle that could be relied on during cases of
emergency;
 VAW Desk should have the ff:
• Power lines. As much as possible, the VAW
What are the Desk should be well-lit and well-ventilated. It is
things needed therefore necessary to have a power source
FUNCTIONS
for a VAW provided by electricity, a generator, or a vehicle
OF VAWC battery, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Desk?
DESK
THE UTILITIES
What are the VAW Desk should have the ff:
things needed • Communication and advocacy plan;
for a VAW • Anti-VAW posters, banners, leaflets, brochures
Desk?
FUNCTIONS and other IEC materials;
• Flowchart on anti-VAW services;
OF
THE VAWC • Flowchart on how to apply for a BPO (see
DESK
ADVOCACY Annex G); and
AND • A simple chart showing a summary of VAW
PROMOTIONAL cases in the barangay as well as the number of
MATERIALS cases that the Barangay VAW Desk had attended
to.
 The VAW Desk Officer plays a
significant role in giving services to
victim-survivors. Therefore, they
FUNCTIONS
VAW Desk must possess and practice certain
OF VAWC
Officer traits that will make them effective
DESK
and efficient in carrying out their
duties.
 Qualities of a VAW Desk Officer:
• Sensitive to the situation and needs of the
victim-survivors
FUNCTIONS • Committed
VAW Desk • Passionate in helping the victim-survivors
OF VAWC • Responsive without being judgmental
Officer
DESK • Willing to learn and be trained
• Honest and efficient in using the budget
• Resourceful in providing the needs of victim-
survivors
 Who can be designated as a VAW
Desk Officer?
• According to the JMC, a woman barangay
FUNCTIONS kagawad or a woman barangay tanod can be
VAW Desk
OF VAWC designated as a VAW Desk officer.
Officer
DESK
 Designation of a VAW Desk Officer:
The Punong Barangay shall designate a VAW
Desk person who is trained in gender-sensitive
FUNCTIONS handling of cases; preferably a woman barangay
VAW Desk kagawad or a woman barangay tanod. In cases
OF VAWC
Officer where there are no trained personnel, ensure
DESK
that the person assigned shall undergo basic
gender sensitivity training and orientation on
anti-VAW laws.
--JMC 2010-2
 Must the VAW Desk Officer know
about VAW laws before his/her
appointment?
FUNCTIONS
VAW Desk Not necessarily. However, it is crucial for VAW Desk
OF VAWC Officers to learn the basic principles and context in
Officer
DESK addressing VAW. They should undergo training and
attend seminars and workshops to be more sensitive in
handling cases, change traditional mindsets, and better
understand the issues related to VAW. The following are
the laws that VAW Desk Officers must be acquainted
with:
 • Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act
(RA9262)
• Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)
• Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA9208)
FUNCTIONS • Anti-Rape Law (8353) and the Rape Shelter Act
VAW Desk (RA8505)
OF VAWC •
Officer Anti-Child Abuse Act (RA7610)
DESK • Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA9775)
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Law (RA7877)
• Gender-related provisions of the Revised Penal Code
(e.g. physical injuries, acts of lasciviousness)
• Relevant provisions of the Family Code
 What are the competencies and attributes of
VAW Desk officers?
• VAW Desk Officers must undergo Gender Sensitivity
FUNCTIONS Training (GST)
VAW Desk
OF VAWC GST Training includes:
Officer 1. Sex and Gender;
DESK
2. Social Construction of VAW;
3. Manifestations of Gender Bias;
4. Discussion on VAW;
5. Legal Frameworks; and
6. Vision of a Gender Fair Society.
 What is done when a victim-survivor seeks
help from the VAW Desk?
Protocols and Make sure that the victim-survivor is:
Procedures
FUNCTIONS • comfortable;
OF VAWC • in a safe and private room or area; and
STEP 1
DESK • given water and other immediate
needs such as food, first aid, and
clothing.
 Assess the situation by getting basic
information that can determine present and
Protocols and possible risks.
Procedures
FUNCTIONS
OF VAWC
STEP 2
DESK
 If it is an emergency, do the following:
• if further medical attention is needed,
Protocols and immediately take the victim-survivor to the
Procedures nearest clinic or hospital;
FUNCTIONS • if further legal attention or protective services
OF VAWC are required, especially with regard to her security
STEP 3
DESK and safety, refer or take her to the appropriate
offices which can better attend to her protection;
and
• fill out the INTAKE/REFERRAL FORM (see
Annex B).
 Once the victim-survivor is stable,
assist the Punong Barangay or
Protocols and
Procedures Kagawad in doing the interview. The
FUNCTIONS
OF VAWC interviewee is gender-sensitive,
STEP 4
DESK sincere and uses language or dialect
that is understood by the victim-
survivor.
 Ask the victim-survivor why she went to the VAW
Protocols and Desk. This will help the Officer determine which
Procedures logbook to record her statements.

FUNCTIONS Ask the victim-survivor to write the following

STEP 4
OF VAWC information in the logbook:
DESK
Process of • personal information;
Interview • purpose of her visit; and
• action to be taken upon the request
 DO’s
Protocols and • Take the case seriously
Procedures • Refrain from making judgmental statements
• Present and discuss advantages and
FUNCTIONS disadvantages of all options available to the client
STEP 4
OF VAWC
DESK DON’Ts
Process of • Contradict her version of the story or make fun of
Interview her situation
• Be judgmental
• Press her to decide
 What if the victim-survivor has difficulty
Protocols and writing her statements?
Procedures She may be interviewed by the VAW Desk Officer
FUNCTIONS who then writes or types her report. The victim-
STEP 4
OF VAWC
survivor should then read the report and affix her
SIGNATURE or THUMBMARK on the report. This will
DESK
Process of prove that she sought assistance from the VAW Desk.
Interview
Protocols and If the case is a violation of RA 9262, inform the
Procedures victim-survivor of her rights, the solutions and
remedies available to her, and the processes involved
FUNCTIONS in her quest for justice. Brief her about the Barangay
STEP 5 Protection Order (BPO) and how to secure it,
OF VAWC including the implications to her and the children
Barangay
DESK should she decide to apply for it. If she decides to
Protection obtain a BPO, assist her in filing for an application
Order (see Annex G for the flowchart on the issuance and
enforcement of a BPO).
Protocols and What are her other options?
Procedures Explain to the victim-survivor that she can also file a
Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or a Permanent
FUNCTIONS Protection Order (PPO). Also explain what PPO and
STEP 5 TPO mean and the implications to her and her
OF VAWC
Barangay children if she avails of either one.
DESK
Protection
Order
Protocols and What if she chooses to file for a
Procedures TPO/PPO?
If the victim-survivor wants to directly apply for a
FUNCTIONS
STEP 5 TPO/PPO instead of a BPO, refer her to the nearest
OF VAWC Public Attorney’sOffice (PAO) or the Alternative Law
Barangay
DESK Groups, Inc. (ALG). These agencies will assist her in
Protection filing the PO in court.
Order
 From the logbook,
Protocols and
FUNCTIONS
transfer the necessary
Procedures
OF VAWC
DESK
data to the Intake Form
STEP 6
(see Annex A).
 What if the victim-survivor opts to stay in
a safe shelter?
Protocols and If the victim-survivor asks for a safe shelter, refer her
FUNCTIONS
Procedures to a shelter, a women’s center or to the
OF VAWC City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development
DESK Office (C/MSWDO). The VAW Desk Officer may also
STEP 6 seek the assistance of other barangay officials,
barangay tanod or the police in getting her
belongings from the conjugal house.
 Report the incident to the Philippine
National Police (PNP) and the C/MSWDO
Protocols and within four hours that it happened.
FUNCTIONS
Procedures Even though the rule states that the incident must be
OF VAWC reported within four hours after it happened,
DESK reporting may still be done later. However, it must
STEP 7 always be strictly observed that VAW cases are to be
treated as urgent. VAW clients must be given
attention and assistance the soonest time possible.
 What is done when the violent incident is
reported by a community member?
1. If a third-party reports the incident, the VAW
Protocols and
FUNCTIONS Desk Officer should first do the following:
Procedures • check the completeness and correctness of
OF VAWC
the information. For safety reasons, he/she
DESK
STEP 7 may ask assistance from the PNP;
• assess the situation; and
• oversee the rescue of the victim-survivor and
her children, when applicable, to ensure their
safety.
 What is done when the violent incident is
reported by a community member?
Protocols and 2. If the incident is an emergency, take the
FUNCTIONS
Procedures appropriate course of action and follow the correct
OF VAWC process for referrals.
DESK
STEP 7 3. Make certain that the victim-survivor is in a stable
condition before assisting the Punong Barangay or
Kagawad in the interview.
 What is done when the violent incident is
reported by a community member?
Protocols and 4. Observe the steps of the interview process as well as the
FUNCTIONS
Procedures
following procedures:
• inform her of her rights and the available remedies,
OF VAWC especially with regard to the BPO;
DESK • assist her in applying for BPO/TPO/PPO;
STEP 7 • get her to a safe shelter;
• record the incident using VAW DocS form; and
• report the incident within four hours after it happened
to the PNP and to the C/MSWDO, and even after the four-
hour period has elapsed.
 Can we just mediate and reconcile the
differences between the woman and her
Protocols and husband or partner instead of going
FUNCTIONS
Procedures through all these procedures?
OF VAWC RA 9262 explicitly prohibits mediation of VAWC cases. This is
DESK
SPECIAL based on the premise that VAW happens because of the
unequal power relation between men and women. Mediation
CASES between unequal parties may result in men imposing their will
and control over women. A barangay official who would
initiate mediation or reconciliation will be administratively
liable for taking this action.
 What do we do if the case involves rape,
trafficking, or sexual harassment?
Protocols and There are cases of gender-based violence that do not fall
within the authority of the barangay. Among these are rape,
FUNCTIONS
Procedures human trafficking, and sexual harassment. If cases like these
OF VAWC are encountered, the following procedures must be observed:
DESK
SPECIAL
CASES
 For cases of Rape and Trafficking
 Conduct an intake interview; and
 Assist the victim-survivor in writing and filing a complaint
Protocols and at the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk or the
FUNCTIONS
Procedures NBI.
OF VAWC
DESK
SPECIAL
CASES
 For cases of Sexual Harassment
 Conduct an intake interview;
 Refer the victim-survivor to her company’s Committee on
Protocols and Decorum and Investigation(CODI) so she can file an
FUNCTIONS
Procedures administrative case against the offender; and
 Refer the case to the PNP Women’s Desk or directly to the
OF VAWC Prosecutor’s Office if she already has the necessary
DESK
SPECIAL documents to support her case.
CASES
 What if the victim-survivor needs
assistance beyond the scope of the VAW
Protocols and Desk’s services?
FUNCTIONS
Procedures At times, a VAW victim-survivor does not know what to do. As
part of the service provided by the VAW Desk, it is important
OF VAWC to ask what kind of help she wants. If the VAW Desk is neither
DESK
SPECIAL capable nor authorize to deliver what the victim-survivor asks
CASES for, it is a must that the VAW Desk Officer REFER the victim-
survivor to the appropriate institutions and agencies.
 What is a referral system?
A Referral System is a cooperative scheme of duty-bearers
and stakeholders working to protect and promote the human
Protocols and rights of VAW survivors to ensure that necessary services are
FUNCTIONS
Procedures extended by a referral network composed of agencies,
organizations and institutions. If a referral system is not in
OF VAWC place, the barangay is urged to set one up, with the following
DESK
REFERRAL steps in mind:
SYSTEM
 What is a referral system?
 Conduct an initial review of potential partners and service
providers;
Protocols and  List down possible partners;
FUNCTIONS
Procedures  Visit their offices to discuss ways of working together;
 Invite them to a meeting or forum todiscuss how the
OF VAWC referral system will be operationalized;
DESK
REFERRAL  Ask any government agency that provides anti-VAW
SYSTEM services, particularly the MSWDO, to organize a meeting
with other agencies providing services to VAW clients to
talk about putting up a network of VAW referrals;
 What is a referral system?
 Establish a formal partnership through a memorandum of
agreement (MOA) or memorandum of understanding
Protocols and (MOU) which aids in building cooperative ties between
FUNCTIONS
Procedures agencies, includes detailed responsibilities of the LGU and
participating agencies, and specifies particular services or
OF VAWC programs; and
DESK
REFERRAL  Maintain a directory of all agencies and organizations
SYSTEM which VAW victims-survivors can be referred to for needed
services (See Annex E).
 Who are the relevant stakeholders in a
referral system?
Protocols and  The relevant stakeholders in a referral system and network
that can provide services beyond the capacities of the
FUNCTIONS
Procedures Barangay VAW Desk are the following:
OF VAWC
DESK
REFERRAL
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Protection Services
Protocols and • Barangay Officials
• PNP Women and Children Protection Desk
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO)
OF VAWC • NBI
DESK
REFERRAL
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Temporary Shelter Services
Protocols and • DSWD
• NGOs
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • Religious organizations
OF VAWC • LGUs
DESK
REFERRAL
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Legal Assistance
Protocols and • PAO
• Prosecutor’s Office
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • Local Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
OF VAWC • Legal NGOs /Alternative Law Groups, Inc.
DESK
REFERRAL • Commission on Human Rights
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Psycho-social Services
Protocols and • P/C/ MSWDO
• Counsellors
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • Therapists
OF VAWC • Social Workers
DESK
REFERRAL • DSWD
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Medico-legal Services
Protocols and • Government-run hospitals
• NBI
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • Camp Crame Crime Laboratory
OF VAWC
DESK
REFERRAL
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Medical Services
Protocols and • Barangay health stations
• Rural health units/Main health centers
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • District hospitals
OF VAWC • Provincial hospitals
DESK
REFERRAL • Private clinics or hospitals
• Lying-in facilities for abused pregnant women
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Other institutions which are
Protocols and sympathetic in responding to VAW
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • Academic institutions
OF VAWC • Crisis Centers/NGO
• Private corporations and
DESK
REFERRAL • Faith-based organizations
SYSTEM
 SERVICES AND AGENCIES
Livelihood development and
Protocols and employment assistance
FUNCTIONS
Procedures • TESDA
OF VAWC • NGOs providing livelihood assistance/ training
• LGUs
DESK
REFERRAL
SYSTEM
 Recording
In recording VAW cases, the client and the VAW Desk
Officer must use logbooks. The VAW desk officer
must then fill out the VAW Docs intake form to
FUNCTIONS
RECORDING ensure that the cases are reflected in the system.
OF
ANDVAWC
DESK
REPORTING The VAW Desk must keep two logbooks. One is to
record cases in violation of RA 9262 while the other
logbook is for recording other VAW related and cases
involving children.
 Forms and Annexes
The VAW Docs Intake Form (see Annex A) is
completed to get basic information about the victim-
survivor and the abuser. It also details the incident
FUNCTIONS
RECORDING and the needs and services given to her. All individual
OF
ANDVAWC cases should be documented and important
DESK
REPORTING information from the logbook must be reflected in
this form.
 Forms and Annexes
The Referral Form (see Annex B) is used when a
victim-survivor is referred to other service providers
for specific assistance. This form shall be filled in by
FUNCTIONS
RECORDING the VAW Desk Officer and endorsed to the concerned
OF
ANDVAWC agency.
DESK
REPORTING
 Forms and Annexes
Lastly, the Feedback Form (see Annex C) is used to
monitor the kind and quality of services extended to
the victim-survivor. It is given by the referred agency
FUNCTIONS
RECORDING and enumerates the client’s feedback on the
OF
ANDVAWC handling of her case or referral. This form should be
DESK
REPORTING returned to the referring agency.
 How are cases reported? To whom is the
information submitted?

FUNCTIONS
RECORDING REMINDER Submit a
written report, whether
OF
ANDVAWC
a VAW case is
DESK
REPORTING documented, to the
MSWDO and Municipal
Local Government
Office on a quarterly
basis.
THANK YOU!!!