In the Philippines, there are several programs and laws designed to support victims of crime.
These programs provide essential services such as compensation, protection, counseling, and legal assistance to help victims recover and navigate the justice system.
The primary beneficiaries of these programs are Filipino individuals and families affected by crimes, including victims of unjust imprisonment, violent crimes, and violence against women and children.
Significance of Victim Assistance Programs in the Philippines
Victim assistance programs play a major role in the Philippines by addressing the needs of individuals who have experienced crime and violence.
In 2023, the Philippines ranked 25th out of 193 countries for criminality with a score of 6.63 according to the Global Organized Crime Index.
Within Southeast Asia, it ranked 4th highest after Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
Despite this, a Gallup global report ranked the Philippines as the 33rd safest country out of 141 surveyed nations, and 3rd safest in Southeast Asia after Vietnam and Indonesia.
Notably though, the country’s crime rate has been on the decline, with serious crimes decreasing by 8.44% in 2023 compared to 2022.
These programs make sure that victims receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild their lives, both physically and emotionally.
Here are some key reasons why these programs are significant:
- Economic Relief: Financial assistance programs like the Victims Compensation Program provide economic relief to victims, helping them cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs directly resulting from the crime. This financial support is fundamental in alleviating the economic burden on victims and their families.
- Safety and Protection: Programs such as the Witness Protection Program offer security and protection to victims and witnesses of grave felonies, especially those facing threats to their life or safety. By ascertaining their safety, these programs enable victims and witnesses to participate in the judicial process without fear, thereby supporting the successful prosecution of offenders.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Victim assistance programs provide the much-needed emotional and psychological support through services like counseling, therapy, and recovery programs. Rape Crisis Centers and similar facilities offer comprehensive care, helping victims cope with trauma and begin the healing process.
- Legal Assistance: Access to legal assistance is another critical aspect of victim support programs. Victims are provided with legal aid and guidance to navigate the judicial system, so that their rights are upheld and that they receive fair treatment within the legal framework.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: These programs empower victims by informing them of their rights and providing platforms for their voices to be heard. By making sure that victims can attend court proceedings, make statements, and stay informed about their cases, these programs advocate for the recognition and respect of victims’ rights within the criminal justice system.
- Community and Social Welfare: The involvement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in providing technical assistance and resources to local government units enhances the overall social welfare system. This collaboration so that victims receive timely and effective support at the community level, contributing to the well-being and stability of the society.
- Preventing Re-traumatization: By providing a supportive and understanding environment, victim assistance programs aim to prevent re-traumatization as victims navigate the justice system. By making sure that victims are treated with respect and sensitivity minimizes the emotional toll and helps in their overall recovery.
- Strengthening Justice and Accountability: Effective victim assistance programs strengthen the justice system by encouraging victim participation and testimony, which are essential for holding perpetrators accountable. This not only helps in delivering justice but also serves as a deterrent to future crimes.
Victims Compensation Program
Established under Republic Act No. 7309, the Victims Compensation Program grants compensation to victims of unjust imprisonment or detention and victims of violent crimes.
Victims may receive up to 10,000 Philippine pesos to cover expenses related to hospitalization, medical treatment, lost wages, loss of support, or other costs directly resulting from the crime.
To qualify, victims must file a claim within six months of being released from imprisonment or detention or suffering injury.
This program maintains that victims receive financial assistance to alleviate the economic burden caused by crime.
Witness Protection Program
The Witness Protection Program is designed to safeguard victims or witnesses of grave felonies who face threats to their life or safety.
Victims of human trafficking are given priority under this program, promoting their protection and security.
The program provides secure housing, financial assistance, and other support services to protected individuals.
This protection enables victims and witnesses to testify without fear, contributing to the successful prosecution of criminals.
Rape Crisis Centers
Rape Crisis Centers offer comprehensive support to victims of rape.
These centers provide psychological counseling, medical services, legal assistance, and recovery programs.
The goal is to help victims heal physically and emotionally while navigating the legal process.
Victims can access these services to receive immediate and long-term support, aiding in their recovery and empowerment.
Constitutional and Statutory Victims’ Rights
The Philippines has constitutional amendments and statutes that guarantee rights for crime victims.
These rights include the right to be informed of court proceedings and outcomes, the right to attend trials and other hearings, and the right to make statements to the court.
These protections are in place so that victims are treated fairly and respectfully within the criminal justice system.
While the Philippines has made significant progress in upholding victims’ rights, ongoing efforts are needed to fully realize these protections and minimize the risk of retraumatization for victims.
DSWD Programs for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) implements protective programs and services for victim-survivors of violence against women and children (VAWC).
Despite community quarantine restrictions and the threat of COVID-19, DSWD continues to provide these essential services.
DSWD assists local government units (LGUs) in delivering social welfare and development programs to their constituents, including abuse victims.
The department provides technical assistance and resources to Local Social Welfare and Development Offices to better respond to the needs of disadvantaged sectors.
Services Provided by DSWD
DSWD offers various programs and interventions for victim-survivors of abuse, including:
- Psychosocial care and counseling
- Psychological and psychiatric tests
- Provision of professional health services
- Referral for medico-legal examination
- Mechanisms for protection from mental, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, and other forms of exploitation
- Provision of clothing and personal items
- Legal and paralegal assistance
- Referral or transfer to any DSWD, LGU, or registered and licensed private residential care facility for temporary shelter or protective custody
Centers and Residential Care Facilities
DSWD operates centers and residential care facilities that provide temporary shelter and protective custody to women and children in need of special protection.
Facilities like Marillac Hills and the Haven for Women in the National Capital Region offer safe spaces for victims.
Other DSWD Field Offices around the country maintain their own facilities for women and children, fostering nationwide support.
Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IAC-VAWC)
As the head of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IAC-VAWC), DSWD coordinates with member agencies and service providers to implement existing programs and services aimed at protecting victim-survivors of abuse.
The public can report and refer VAWC victims to the following service providers:
Police and Investigation Assistance
- PNP Hotline: 177
- Aleng Pulis Hotline: (+63) 919 777 7377
- PNP-Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)
- 24/7 AVAWCD Office: 8532-6690
- Email: wcpc_pnp@yahoo.com / wcpc_vawcd@yahoo.com / avawcd.wcpc@pnp.gov.ph
- WCPD Directory: WCPD Directory
- NBI-Violence Against Women and Children Desk (VAWCD)
- Hotline: (02) 8525-6028
- Email: vawcd@nbi.gov.ph
Psychosocial Assistance
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Text Hotline: 0918-912-2813
- Trunk line: (02) 8931-8101 to 07
- DSWD –NCR Ugnayan Pag-asa Crisis Intervention Center
- Hotlines: (02) 8734-8639 / (02) 8734-8654 / (02) 8734-8626 to 27
- DSWD Community-Based Services Section (CBSS)
- Hotline: (02) 8733-0010 to 18 loc. 116
Legal Assistance
- Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
- Phone: (02) 8929-9436 local 106, 107 or 159 (Local “0” for operator)
- Mobile: (+63) 939-3233665
- Email: pao_executive@yahoo.com
- Directory of District Offices: PAO Directory
Medical Assistance
- Women and Children Protection Units
- Directory: WCPU Directory
- National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
- Crisis hotline: (02) 8989-8727 / 09178998727
Referral Services
- Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children
- Landline: (02) 8735-1654 loc. 122 / (02) 8733-6611
- Mobile numbers: 09178671907 / 09178748961
- Email: iacvawc@pcw.gov.ph
Video: VAWC Desk – Violence Against Women and Children – Paano makakuha ng Barangay Protection Order
The VAWC Desk assists individuals in obtaining a Barangay Protection Order for cases of Violence Against Women and Children.
They provide guidance on the necessary steps and support throughout the process to make sure the safety and protection of those affected. Contact the VAWC Desk for crucial information and assistance in securing a Protection Order.
Conclusion
The Philippines offers various assistance programs to support victims of crime, promoting their rights and providing essential services for recovery and justice.
Programs like the Victims Compensation Program, Witness Protection Program, and Rape Crisis Centers play a significant role in supporting victims.
DSWD’s continued efforts to provide services and protection to victims of violence against women and children highlight the commitment to social welfare and development.