LAS PIÑAS Rep. Camille Villar wants an investigation into rising cases of gender-based violence and called for measures to protect women and children.

She filed House Resolution 1581, saying the increase in cases of violence against women and children is alarming.

“We need to tackle this issue as this seems to be neglected and victims are left with their abusers at home. We need to also determine what are the possible and immediate measures to mitigate the effects of violence and strengthen support services for the victims,” Villar said.

She cited several researches suggesting that harassment and sexual violence of women and children spike during and after any large crisis or disaster.

Experts describe this as a pandemic within a pandemic.

The Philippine Commission on Women recorded 13,923 cases of violence against women and children from the start of the lockdown on March 15, 2020 up to November 30, 2020.

Of the reported cases, a total of 4,747 were cases of abuse against children.

The National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that only one out of three Filipino women who experienced abuse sought help.

“We have to spread awareness that reporting incidents of abuse is crucial to reducing cases especially in difficult times like the pandemic as people have limited person-to-person access,” Villar said.