The DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas observed the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week) from February 3 to 7, 2025.
This week-long observance aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, empowering the public to act as protectors.
Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero emphasized the need for community vigilance. “While we may not always see these issues directly, it is crucial to recognize the red flags and report any suspicions immediately,” she stated.
DSWD 7 promotes the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 for reporting cases or suspicions of child abuse, as well as other local hotlines, barangay officials, and police stations. The DSWD 7 Trafficking in Persons hotline at 0917-703-0967 is also available for urgent matters.
Director Lucero emphasized, “Children must grow up in a loving, safe environment, free from abuse. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure this.”
To further raise awareness, DSWD 7 has launched advocacy campaigns, including media promotions and school caravans, aimed at educating the public about abuse prevention.
OSAEC and CSAEM cases
The IACAT7-VAWC has been actively addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). These cases involve the sexual abuse of children through internet technology and explicit content.
Local government units without a facility for victims of OSAEC and CSAEM refer them to DSWD 7’s Home for Girls, a facility providing temporary care and rehabilitation for abused girls.
Over the past three years, the center has seen a steady increase in referrals related to OSAEC and CSAEM, reporting 68 victim-survivors (male-23 and female-45) catered from 2022 to 2024.
Center Head Jenifer Abastillas emphasized that while the center’s primary role is to provide temporary shelter for referred cases, female residents also receive various rehabilitative programs and services. Additionally, the center actively promotes advocacy campaigns within local government units to raise awareness and prevent further abuse through psycho-education.
Male victim-survivors are referred to other social welfare agencies or recommended for foster or kinship care, as DSWD does not have a residential facility for male victims of abuse.
School caravans
As a member of the IACAT7-VAWC, DSWD conducts school caravans to educate students about the risks of OSAEC and CSAEM. “Schools, LGUs, and barangay workers must be well-informed about Republic Act 11930 and the proper reporting and preventive measures,” emphasized Director Lucero.
In 2024, the IACAT7-VAWC organized six school caravans across the region to raise awareness. “Schools and LGUs, especially barangays, must fully understand the severity of these issues and their impact on our youth,” she added.
DSWD 7 is calling for more schools to participate in the caravans. “While we may not reach every school, we encourage schools to engage with the IACAT7-VAWC and seek orientation on RA 11930,” she urged.
OSAEC and CSAEM are topics included in the monthly Family Development Sessions of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.
These efforts, along with partnerships with other government agencies, are part of DSWD’s mission to create a safer environment for children, allowing them to grow free from abuse and violence. ###
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