PCW highlights only one in ten VAW cases are reported, calls for community-based monitoring

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) highlighted that reporting cases of violence against women remains a significant issue in society.

Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla noted at a Palace press briefing on Wednesday that only one out of ten cases are reported to the police, often due to shame or lack of trust in authorities.

Valdeavilla also mentioned the need for community-based monitoring protocols to document unreported incidents of violence against women.

The PCW launched its annual 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) last month, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004.

In 2023, the Philippine National Police recorded a total of 11,585 VAW-related cases through its Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS).

As of November 30, 2024, there have been 11,636 reported cases of violence against women.

The Philippine National Police has trained 5,310 female police officers to handle sensitive cases involving women and children.