The Department of Social Welfare and Development underscored the importance of reporting cases under the Violence Against Women and Children Act during its weekly media forum on Thursday.

Carol Nuyda, social officer from the DSWD Protective Service Bureau, said the Philippine National Police recorded 6,883 VAWC cases from August to November 2025 alone.

Nuyda said the figures show that violence remains rooted in long-standing social norms, including child-rearing practices.

“Gumagamit tayo ng corporal punishment, at a tender age…kino-condition na natin yung mga anak natin na tanggap sa kultura natin yung paggamit ng karahasan sa pagdidisiplina,” she said.

A 2024 report by the World Health Organization found that children raised in violent households are more likely to develop behavioral and emotional disturbances, which may later translate into violent tendencies. The WHO also noted that intimate partner violence can reduce the time parents devote to childcare, increasing infant and child morbidity.

Nuyda clarified that VAWC laws also apply to same-sex relationships.

“Pati po ang kanilang lesbiyanang partner, covered din po ito ng mga batas. Kapag lalaki po ang inabuso, iba po ang gagamiting bataas under the Revised Penal Code,” she said.

Data from the Domestic Violence Services Network Inc. show that one in four men experience some form of abuse, including emotional, physical, financial and sexual harm. Many male victims reportedly choose not to report incidents due to stigma and societal expectations about masculinity.

Nuyda urged victims to seek help from appropriate authorities and not settle cases solely at the barangay level.

She encouraged individuals experiencing abuse to approach Barangay VAW desks, Local Social Welfare and Development Offices, and other support centers.

“PNP Women and Children’s Desk, the National Bureau of Investigation, meron din po tayong DOJ, ang Public Attorney’s Office, yung mga women’s desk po natin sa mga pampublikong ospital, at yung mga Women’s Care Center o yung mga crisis center na itinatayo ng mga LGU para sa kanilang mga kababaihan,” she said.

Relatives who are not directly abused may also file complaints and seek protection orders against perpetrators.

Under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, offenders may face imprisonment ranging from one month to 20 years, fines between ₱100,000 and ₱300,000, and mandatory psychological treatment.