THE Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has granted priority privilege to Violence Against Women (VAW) victims, thereby empowering women through justice.
The pass is part of efforts related to the 18-Day campaign to end VAW, through the DOJ Action Center (DOJAC), which simultaneously launched a “Priority Pass” for women victims of violence, harassment, and other forms of abuses.
The Priority Passes, which will last until the end of the 18-Day campaign on December 12, 2024 give VAW victims “top priority” in accessing legal assistance/counselling services in all DOJACs in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions I, III, V, VII, X, and XI.
The passes hope to empower and encourage women to stand-up against all forms of VAW with deep awareness of their legal rights/responsibilities and reporting their complaints to concerned authorities.
“It has always been a challenge for victims to report or file cases against their abusers because of fear as well as lack of knowledge and familiarity about the legal process. But we are here today until the end of the campaign with a Priority Pass to remind victims, that you are not alone, the DOJ is here to help you. Do not be afraid to fight for your rights,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said.
Aside from rendering legal assistance, the DOJAC will also be providing mediation services for family disputes/conflicts and referral services to other government bodies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), among others.
Undersecretary-in-Charge for DOJAC Margarita Gutierrez averred that “access to justice that is not just convenient but fast is very important to us, especially for victims of VAW. We, in the Department of Justice are one with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in raising awareness for VAW and finding solutions to put an end to VAW.”
For VAW concerns and complaints, go to any of the DOJAC offices nationwide, or email [email protected]; call (02)8521-2930 or send a message to the official DOJ Action Center Facebook page.